Asus Eee 901 Gets Bluetooth, Atom Processor

The next generation of the Eee will get a range of updates to set it apart from competitors, but unfortunately, price will follow suit.

Having only recently announced its 8.9-inch Eee, Asus already appears to be hard at work on another update to its miniature golden child. According to reports from a Taiwanese paper, the refined Eee will get Bluetooth, more metal, and perhaps most importantly, Intel’s new Atom processor under the hood.

According to DigiTimes, Asus is attempting to differentiate the new Eee from the scores of imitators with its latest changes. The Eee PC 901 will get a built-in Bluetooth module, and metal allow parts added to the keyboard, hinges, and around the touchpad. Although the 901 will tout an Atom processor, the exact speed remains a question mark. Asus will also remove its name from the new machine, branding it instead as only an Eee PC.

While Asus’ changes will certainly put it a notch above what no-name imitators are currently pumping out of their own factories in Taiwan, Asus also seems to be stepping away from the original price point that made the Eee so popular. DigiTimes reports that the Eee 901 will cost NT$20,000 in Taiwan when it debuts on June 3, or about $650 USD.