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Asus has recently announced the newest addition in the ever-expanding Eee PC lineup, except this time the new model offers a few changes as compared to the rest.  To begin with, the new model is the Eee PC 1000HE, it will retail for $399 and is currently available for pre-order. 

Also, for an unspecified “limited time” you will receive an additional $25 off, which will bring the price down to $374.  For those willing to part with the money, you can make the purchase through the ASUS Eee PC Group on Facebook.  As for color options, this model will ship in both fine ebony black as well as blue.

Now, as for the changes, the 1000HE features a slightly improved processor.  Instead of the standard Intel Atom N270 running at 1.6GHz with a front side bus of 533MHz, the 1000HE ships with an Intel Atom N270 running at 1.66GHz with a front side bus of 667MHz.  Additionally, this model features a 92%-sized keyboard and has a slightly modified (as compared to previous Eee models) key layout, the right side shift key has been moved from the right side of the up arrow key to a slightly more usable left side of the up arrow key. 

It also appears to be a little larger than previous right side shift keys.  Finally, the 1000HE is also shipping with what is reported to be a much nicer battery in terms of life expectancy, with a promise of up to 9.5 hours which comes courtesy of the exclusive Super Hybrid Engine from Asus.

Aside from these few improvements, the rest of the 1000HE features what we have come to expect in a netbook.  You will find a 10-inch LED backlit display, a 160GB hard drive, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth 2.0, 1.3-megapixel webcam and a multi-touch trackpad.  And last but not least, also included is 10GB of storage space with the Eee Online Storage setup.

Read [Asus]  Product [ASUS Eee PC Group on Facebook]

Keep reading to check out the full press release:

ASUS Announces the Upgraded Eee PC 1000HE, Available Now for Pre-Order

First netbook to feature Intel Atom N280 processor, the new Eee PC offers more power, 9.5 hours of battery life, and comfort and style –

FREMONT, CALIFORNIA (February 2, 2009)-ASUS, the innovator who revolutionized the mobile computing landscape with the original Eee PC netbook, today announces its most powerful and long-lasting Eee PC yet – the 1000HE. Available for pre-order from selected online E-tailers, the Eee PC 1000HE is the pinnacle of netbook computing, offering more power, longer battery life, increased comfort and legendary ASUS quality.

World’s First Atom N280 Netbook
With the extra power of the Intel Atom N280 processor, users will be able to boot faster, get work done quicker, and enjoy higher performance compared to other Atom N270-powered netbooks. The Eee PC 1000HE also features ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology, which can boost CPU speed for extra power or lower it to preserve battery life, all at the touch of a button.

Higher Density battery, New Keyboard
The Eee PC 1000HE is equipped with a high-density battery that, when combined with the Super Hybrid Engine, allows for an industry-leading 9.5 hours of battery life*. Using the Eee PC all-day has never been easier thanks to its bright 10” LED backlit display and new “chiclet” keyboard that allows for faster and more comfortable typing.

Wireless Internet and File Storage on-the-go
The Eee PC 1000HE comes with WiFi 802.11b/g/n network connectivity for ultimate wireless accessibility and mobility. Bluetooth v2.0 is also included for flexibility and convenience with any Bluetooth devices.

Additionally, the Eee PC 1000HE is outfitted with 170GB of Hybrid Storage – 160GB of internal hard disk drive and 10GB of file-encrypted Eee Online Storage. Users can store, share and access documents and multimedia easily on the move.

Pricing and Availability
The ASUS Eee PC 1000HE is available immediately for pre-order through the official ASUS Eee PC Group on Facebook at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6297967631. The introductory MSRP of the Eee PC 1000HE is $399 USD. For a limited time, an additional $25 instant discount will apply to the pre-orders. The Eee PC 1000HE will be available in both Fine Ebony Black and Blue in North America.

* Estimated maximum battery life under Windows XP is measured with BatteryMark 4.0.1 (in Eee PC Super Hybrid Engine Power-Saving mode, 40% LCD brightness, Wi-Fi off, BT off, and camera disabled). Actual battery life may vary based on product settings, usage patterns and environmental conditions.

About ASUS
ASUS is a leading company in the new digital era. With a global staff of more than ten thousand and a world-class R&D design team, the company’s revenue for 2008 was 8.1 billion U.S. dollars. ASUS ranks among the top 10 IT companies in BusinessWeek’s “InfoTech 100”, and has been on the listing for 11 consecutive years. ASUS was also selected by the Wall Street Journal Asia as No.1 in quality and service.