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Initial reports on the second generation eee pcs included such new features as a 8.9 inch screen and wimax technology.  Asus now confirms their intentions to include even more new features!  Expect the Eee PC 900 series to include touchscreen panels and possibly even GPS support.

Source: http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20080325PD226.html

In case you missed it, Asustek announced its plans for the next generation Eee PC and had on display a prototype, at CeBit 2008 in Germany.

Here's the link to the official news release:
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=10302

And here are some pictures:
 

What's new in the Eee PC rumour mill?  Well lately news has been going 'round that not only will Asus' Eee PC be sporting bigger screens and wimax technology, it will now also apparently come pre-installed with a touchscreen.  That's right, no need to hack it yourself anymore.  Well that is until we hear it officially announced of course.

Unofficially:
http://www.digitimes.com/displays/a20080117PD214.html

This neat mini computer was on display at the 2008 CES.  While not a direct competitor to the current Asus Eee PC models, we may see the Shuttle KPC battle it out with Asus' upcoming desktop version of the Eee PC.  Hopefully Asus will take a cue from the KPC's cool colours and designs.  And that's KPC not KFC.

More info at http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9847365-7.html

Everex is stepping up with its new CloudBook which will be in direct competition with the Asus Eee PC in the low budget UMPC market and looking to knock the king out of the ring.

The CloudBook shares similar specs with the Eee PC, such as a 7 inch screen, 512MB of memory, and runs Linux but has a notably different look and operating system and also features a 30 GB hard drive.

Features and Specifications

Operating System: gOS V2 Rocket
Processor: 1.2GHz VIA C7-M ULV Processor
Display: 7" WVGA TFT Widescreen (800 x 480 native resolution)
Preinstalled and Linked Software (gOS version): Mozilla FireFox, gMail, Meebo, Skype, Google Documents & Spreadsheets, Google Calendar, Google News, Google Maps, Wikipedia, Google Product Search, GIMP, Blogger, YouTube, Xine Movie Player, RhythmBox, Faqly, Facebook and OpenOffice.org 2.3 (includes WRITER, IMPRESS, MATH, DRAW)
Memory: 512MB DDR2 533MHz SDRAM (1GB Max)
Hard Disk Drive: 30GB, 4200RPM PATA
Graphic: VIA UniChrome Pro IGP
Audio: VIA VT1708A High Definition Audio Codec with built-in speakers
WLAN: 802.11b/g
LAN: 10/100 Ethernet
I/O: (1) DVI-I port, (2) USB 2.0 ports, (1) RJ45 Ethernet port, (1) Headphone/Line Out jack, (1) Microphone/ Line In jack, (1) 4-in-1 Media Card Reader (Secure Digital, Multi-Media Card, Memory Stick, Memory Stick PRO)
Battery: 4-Cell (14.4V, 2200mAh), rechargeable Lithium-Ion
Dimensions: 9.06" x 6.73 x 1.16" (W x D x H)
Weight: 2 pounds
Warranty & Support: 1 Year Limited Warranty with 24/7 Toll-Free Technical Support
MSRP: $399.00

*Specifications subject to change

For more info see:
http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4187
http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=10293

The news from Asus at CES 2008 is that the next generation of Eee PCs will have WiMAX technology and feature screen sizes of 8 inches and 8.9 inches.

8-inch prototype 

 8.9-inch measurements

For more info:
Translated from chinese
jkkmobile

In case you haven't heard, Asus will be releasing a line of official accessories.

These include mice (in all colours including white, black, Blush Pink, Sky Blue and Lush Green), headphones, spare adapters, and a reported 6-cell battery.

See official site: http://eeepc.asus.com/global/product.htm#acc

So far only the spare adapters can be found at the ASUS eStore (do a search using the term "eee").  These are available in black and white.

This has been an exciting week for the eee pc community. Firstly, there has been the release of the new coloured 2G Surfs, which (until now) we've only seen glimpses of in the Asian markets.

Image source: eeeuser.com

You can find them at Newegg, along with their brand new supply of 8Gs!

With ASUS's announcement that Eee PC sales have exceeded their expectations and have reached 350,000 units, we shouldn't be surprised that EEE users have invented different uses and created some very neat hacks, mods, and tweaks.

Some really neat ones are:

• Running OS X on the Eee
  
  With 92 comments, it looks like there's a lot of interest in this modification. Maybe it'll plant a seed into Apple's head and get them thinking about producing a similar product. Not sure if that'll be a good idea or not.

• Running Vista on the Eee!
  
  Who would have thought?!

• Adding a touchscreen to the Eee!
  
  A very natural upgrade to consider since the Eee PC is all about compactness. Much better than the existing touchpad and annoying button, I'm sure.

If sales of the Eee PC continue to grow this holiday season, we'll surely be seeing more cool stuff created by the user community into the next year. Until then, enjoy your EEE's & happy holidays!

References:
http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20071220PD213.html
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/olpc-killer-round-2/asus-eee-pc-2g-surf-launches-eee-pc-8g-now-available-at-newegg-334308.php