New Eee PC arrives, Linux same price as Windows

ASUS has announced the release of the new Eee PC 901 and the reduced prices of the previous 701 and 900 models.

The 901 is the third-generation Eee PC and the first to sport Intel's Atom processor, clocked at 1.6GHz, and, like its predecessors, will ship with Linux and Windows.

Available at computer sellers from "late June", the Eee 901 will retail for $649 and the 701 and 900 have been reduced to $479 and $549, respectively.

According to ASUS, the Linux and Windows versions are the same price.

In addition to the Atom processor, the Eee PC 901 has ASUS' Super Hybrid Engine technology to lengthen battery lifespan, Bluetooth and pre-N Wi-Fi.

ASUS claims the Super Hybrid Engine technology allows users to adjust CPU frequency, voltage and LCD brightness to save up to 15 percent of power consumption, which averages 36 Watts.

The improved 6 cell battery is rated for between 4.2 and 7.8 hrs depending on usage patterns, according to ASUS.

If you chose Windows XP you'll get a 12GB (4GB built-in, 8GB of flash) of storage space and if you chose ASUS's hack of Linux you'll get 20GB (4GB built-in, 16GB of flash), built-in speakers, and a microphone.

The 901 is 22.5 cm wide, 17.5 cm deep, weighs in a 1.1 kilograms, and the choice of colour is white or black.