9 Inch Screen Asus Eee in 2008
Over at CES 2008, there are rumors (likely to be true) that Asus will be releasing an Eee model with 8.9 screens this 2008. Sure, they’re also including WiMax in the possible specs, but it’s the screen size and real estate that most Asus Eee users are interested in.
This year at CES (the big technology show starting next week in Las Vegas) ASUS is planning to launch the new and improved Eee PC. According to the ASUS Web site and various tech blogs, the new Eee PC will feature WiMax and a larger 9-inch screen.
The WiMax bit isn’t so exciting for people in the UK and Asia as there are hardly any WiMax networks in place just yet, but the larger screen definitely gets our juices flowing. No more scrolling sideways to view pages or having to squint at documents.
Of course, the increased LCD size will likely lead to higher unit prices. Or, it could cause the older 7-inch screen models to drop in price. At any rate, this is a welcome development, and with a bigger screen, the Eee can be poised as a better competitor against its more expensive brethren from other brands (like Fujitsu, Sony and the like).
Asus Honors Warranty Even With Broken Stickers
It has been a concern that opening the RAM / mini PCIe slot would void Asus’ limited warranty, because the small yellow sticker that covers one of the screws would inevitably be broken. This meant limited options for upgrades, particularly on the Eee’s memory slot.
Asus clears things up with a press release:
ASUS Computer International (“ASUS”) recently received feedback from one of its valued customers with questions concerning the purpose of a seal stating, “Warranty Void If Removed” over the access door to the single SODIMM slot on some models of the ASUS Eee PC. ASUS wishes to assure its customers that merely breaking or removing this kind of seal will not void the ASUS Limited Warranty.
So basically they say that it’s always best to have your unit serviced by authorized service personnel. Still, for most advanced users, I think accessing the RAM and mini PCIe slot would be simple enough.
Personally, I feel that 512MB of RAM is enough for general purposes, especially when using Xandros. But those who are using Windows XP need that RAM boost, and are better off spending the extra $30 or so for a 1GB stick.
So it’s clear then — you don’t void your warranty opening the access door to the RAM slot. But for more advanced hardware hacks, I think that’s a different story.
(via Eeeuser.com; hat tip to Joel; image from asuseeehacks.blogspot.com)
