Asus launches Eee PC 1004DN with optical disc drive

1000hdn-side-viewThere are a few things that typically set netbooks apart from larger computers. They’re smaller, lighter, and cheaper. And up until now, they’ve tended to lack optical disc drives. But it looks like that’s about to change. Asus is showing an Eee PC model with a disc drive at CES.

The Asus Eee PC 1004DN looks an awful lot like the Eee PC 1002HA, except it has the new chiclet style keyboard and a disc drive that will read and burn DVDs and CDs.

That’s the good news. The bad news is that Asus has no plans to sell this model in the US anytime soon. It will probably be available in China and Europe at launch. No word on the pricing yet.

Here’s a rundown of the rest of the specs:

  • CPU: 1.66GHz Intel Atom N280
  • Display: 10.2 inch, 1024 x 600 pixels
  • RAM: 1GB
  • HDD: 160GB
  • Connectivity: 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth
  • Expansion: 3 USB ports, 1 VGA port
  • Dimensions: 10.4″ x 7.1″ x 1″

You can find another picture of the Eee PC 1004DN after the break.

1000hdn


Posted on Thursday, January 8th, 2009, 2:00 pm by Brad
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  • BoloMKXXVIII
    The only time I ever used an optical drive was to load an OS. I do that at home with a USB model. If it didn't raise the cost of the unit I would take it, but who is going to place bets on that?
  • Mark
    This is great for the unwashed masses who see netbooks at Walmart and think "well durnit how am I going to play install my TurboTax on this thing?"

    I personally don't care much for it.
  • Voronwe13
    The lack of a DVD drive is the one caveat I've had to explain to anyone who has seen my EEE PC and wanted one... I think it's an awesome thing, because once that's available (and I hope it does become available here in the US), I can recommend a cheap mini laptop to just about anyone with modest computing needs, even as their primary system.

    Plus, with one of these you can actually watch DVDs on the road without having to rip them to AVI files first. I'll definitely be tempted if they ever become available.
  • Steve
    I tell ya,
    I come take a look at liliputing just about everyday, and just about every day seems like there is a news about a new asus eeepc model, it just makes me laugh.
  • MonkeyKing1969
    I'm not against optical drives, but I just don't see the point of having them in Netbooks since they add three bad things.

    - Added cost
    - Added weight (added room needed to sqeeze it in the case too)
    - Added power drain if you ever use it

    As they say, "Three strikes and you're out."

    We live in a world full of increasingly numoerous wireless signals and ways to go online. If there was ANYTHING that a computer could do without it would be a optical drive. I do not miss not having a optical drive. I have downloade music for years, I have downloaded software and updates for years, and now movies are easily (yet not quickly downloadable in high fidelity)....so I have a hard time seeing how having one out weights the downside of cost, weight, power drain.
  • mark
    Don't forget to change the name of the picture as it still reads 1000HDN.
  • Doh! Thanks.

    Have I mentioned how much fun covering CES all by my lonesome is?

    No but seriously, I'm having a blast and thanks to everyone for
    putting up with a little bit of sloppiness on this post. I was just so
    excited to get the picture online I apparently forgot to read the
    text. :)
  • This may sound crazy, but the thing that holds me back from buying an EEE of any type is the right shift key.

    I use the right shift key 99% of the time I'm touch typing, and I've worked on a keyboard like this before - with a tiny right shift, on the far side of the up-arrow key, and it was maddeningly frustrating.

    Once Asus redesigns the keyboard, I'll probably buy one to tote around.
  • Drakanious
    This particular model (The 1004DN) has the right shift on the left of the up arrow (look at the image).

    I'm a left-shifter, so it doesn't bother me when I'm using my girlfriend's 1000HA, and you could easily remap the up/right-shift keys (but then they'll be mislabeled), but that's all added work/comfort, I suppose.
  • Michel
    The ASUS 1000HE is available with the proper position for the right shift key.
  • Rich
    Asus you need to make this Eee PC 1004Dn available in the US as I am going to buy the first optical drive netbook that makes it to the US soil. I"m waiting! Some programs I use are more easily installed from a disk.
  • bob
    hey there, my name is bob...duh!!!
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