Many computer manufacturers seem to have been taking a breather -- relatively speaking, at least -- from releasing netbooks, waiting not only for today's release of Windows 7, but also for Intel's next-generation "Pineview" Atoms, expected in January. In the interim, several vendors have introduced mini-notebooks that break the netbook mold by including faster processors, larger screens, or both. (Asus itself, for example, recently announced the Eee PC1201HA, which sports a 12.1-inch display.)

Asus' Eee PC 1005HR has Windows 7 and a high-res display

Now, however, Asus has added to its existing, mind-numbing array of netbooks with two new entries in its "Seashell" line. The Eee PC 1005HR (above) and HE both feature 10.1-inch displays and Intel's 1.66GHz N280 processor. (We're not told whether the accompanying chipset is the 945GSE [945GCSE northbridge and 82801GBM southbridge] or the newer, rarer GN40, however.)

What makes the Eee PC 1005HR and HE somewhat novel is, first, the inclusion of Windows 7 Starter Edition software, and, second, the availability of a relatively high-res display. The Eee PC 1005HR offers a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, which appears to be the first time any Asus netbook has gone beyond 1024 x 600.

Windows 7 Starter Edition, meanwhile, is an OEM-only version that replaces Windows ULCPC (XP Home), which has been the typical netbook operating system up until now. Starter Edition omits the Aero user interface, DVD playback softare, and multi-monitor support that's present on other Windows 7 editions, but still includes Internet Explorer 8, Windows Media Player 12, a redesigned taskbar, and other enhancements, according to Microsoft.

Windows 7
(Click to enlarge)

Asus obviously considers that Windows 7 can run well on a netbook with just 1GB of RAM, since that's how much memory the PC1005HR and HE come with (the devices may be expandable, though the company didn't say). The PC1005HR model, meanwhile, comes with 250GB of hard disk storage as standard, while the PC1005HR comes with either 160GB or 250GB.

According to Asus, the PC1005HE and HR also come with three megapixel webcams, 802.11b/g/n wireless networking, Bluetooth 2.1, and three USB 2.0 ports apiece. The netbooks also include SD card readers, plus six-cell batteries that are claimed to offer up to 8.4 hours of operation.

Features and specifications listed by Asus for the PC1005HE and HR include the following:

• Processor -- Intel Atom N280 clocked at 1.66GHz
• Chipset -- n/s
• Display:
  • PC1005HR -- 10.1-inch screen with 1366 x 768 pixel resolution
  • PC1005HE -- 10.1-inch screen with 1024 x 600 pixel resolution
• Camera -- 3 megapixel webcam
• Storage:
  • PC1005HR -- 250GB hard disk drive
  • PC1005HE -- 160GB or 250GB hard disk drive
• Expansion -- SD card reader
• Networking:
  • LAN -- 10/100 Ethernet
  • WLAN -- 802.11b/g/n
  • PAN -- Bluetooth
• Other I/O:
  • 3 x USB 2.0
  • Microphone in
  • Headphone output
• Battery type/life -- 6-cell; 8.4 hours approx.
• Dimensions -- 10.31 x 7 x 1.01 inches (262 x 178 x 36.5mm)
• Weight -- 2.8 pounds (1.27kg)

Further information

According to Asus, the PC1005HR and PC1005HE will be released in mid-November. Japanese pricing is 49,800 Yen (about $544) for the PC1005HR, 46,800 Yen (about $511) for a 250GB PC1005HE, and 44,800 Yen (about $489) for a 160GB PC1005HE, the company says.

For a report on a Windows 7 release event staged by Microsoft this morning in New York, see our syster publication eWEEK.com, here.

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Related stories:

• Netbooks fading away into the sunset?
• Second Atom N280 netbook unveiled
• Next-gen Atoms to launch Jan. 3?
• Nokia's $1,740 netbook revealed
• Windows 7 is "netbook-friendly"
• Windows-powered netbook showcase