Asus Eee PC 1004DN Comes With Optical Drive

We can't believe we're saying this, but we haven't seen a new Eee PC netbook in quite some time! Nevertheless, Asus is making sure the lineup stays fresh with an all new addition: the Eee PC 1004DN. What's so special about this one over all the rest? First off, it's the first Eee PC netbook to feature a Super-Multi optical disc drive, meaning that owners will be able to read and burn CDs / DVDs for the first time on an Eee PC.

The unit also includes an ExpressCard slot, the company's Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology for extending battery life while on-the-go, a high-gloss UV LCD cover, 10-inch panel capable of handling 720p content, brushed aluminum gracing the palm rest and an electroplated frame bordering the keyboard assembly. Also of note, the included keyboard is 92% as large as a standard one, so the switch from desktop to netbook shouldn't be all that dramatic. As with some of the newer Eee PCs, this one also includes a multi-touch trackpad, digital array microphone and a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam. Asus hasn't given us any details on price or release, but you can dig into the detailed specifications below.

Specifications

Display	10” wide active matrix LED backlight TFT, WSVGA 1024x600 pixels, 252K colors max
Dimensions	277mm x 194mm x 27.4-34mm
Weight	1.45kg with HDD (with 6-cell battery and ODD)
Battery	Li-Ion 57.72WHrs - 6 cells, 5200mAh
Processor	Intel® N280 1.66GHz Processor with 512k L2 Cache FSB 667MHz 2.5W TBP thermal
Chipset	Intel GN40 ICH9Mb (Integrated GMA 4500M graphics core)
Main Memory	1 x SODIMM socket for expansion up to 2GB DDRII DRAM
Storage	Up to 1.8” PATA 120GB, 4200 RPM
Communications	Built-in Bluetooth® v2.1 module 802.11n Support Antenna x 2
Camera	1.3 Megapixel Video Camera
Microphone	Array Mic
Keyboard	Keyboard: W:254mm chiclet type
Audio	Hi-Definition Audio CODEC Built-in high quality stereo speakers