Asus introduces Eee PC with 9.5-hour battery life

03.02.2009
Online stores are taking advance orders for Asus' new Eee PC 1000HE netbook, which offers up to 9.5 hours of battery life and features Intel's latest mobile processor.

The laptop includes a six-cell "Super Hybrid Engine" battery pack. Depending on usage, the battery pack offers a choice of adjustable performance and power consumption modes, , which is taking preorders for the netbook.

The laptop uses the Intel Atom N280 processor, which draws about 2.5 watts of power, according to Amazon. Intel hasn't officially announced or talked about the processor yet.

Batteries in netbooks now on the market can run for up to 4 hours depending on display and wireless usage, said Richard Shim, research manager at IDC. The claim of 9.5 hours on the 1000HE Eee PC blows away past claims of netbook battery life, Shim said.

"I'd have to see this thing to believe it," Shim said.

The extended battery life could help stimulate netbook demand, said David Daoud, research manager at IDC.