Pre-Order ASUS EeeKeyboard for $599

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By Kevin Parrish
published

Go pre-order your wireless ASUS Eee Keyboard now!

Netbooked has discovered that the ASUS Eee Keyboard (EK1542-S0095) is now up for pre-orders over on Amazon.com. The final pricetag landed towards the higher end the previously rumored spectrum, costing consumers a hefty $599 for the netbook-in-a-keyboard setup. Frankly, what eats up the cost is the inclusion of its capacitive touchscreen and ultra-wide band capabilities.

Although the specs were revealed in earlier reports, we now have confirmation right before our eyes: Intel's Atom N270 processor, 1 GB of DDR2 RAM, a 16 GB SSD, a 5-inch 800 x 480 LED multi-touch display, and Windows XP Home. The device also provides 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi, Gigabit LAN, Bluetooth 2.1, HDMI out, VGA out, UWB receiver for wireless playback of video and audio content on a monitor or TV, and 3x USB 2.0 ports.

Currently there's no indication on when the cheaper, wired version of the ASUS Eee Keyboard will go up for pre-order. However, the current wireless model up for grabs at Amazon will supposedly begin to ship nationwide starting April 23.

Is this worth the $599, or is that money better spent on an actual desktop or notebook?

Kevin Parrish
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27 Comments Comment from the forums
  • N.Broekhuijsen
    Why didn't they call it "Keeeyboard"?

    Seems nice, similar specs to the netbooks, apart from screen size and SSD. Price is not very well justified though.
    Reply
  • Lessqqmorepewpew
    i want a keyboard that makes me a sammach
    Reply
  • macer1
    this was a great idea over a year ago when they were teasing us with it. Now its underpowered and overpriced, can it even do 720p ?
    Reply
  • burnley14
    I think the price is justified. Underpowered for sure, but it's basically a 3-part HTPC in one. Tack on a wireless keyboard and mouse to a nettop PC and you get approximately the same price. Consider the difference to be a convenience cost for having it all in one device.

    As long as it's not your main computer, this could be very useful for browsing the web or streaming videos from your couch.
    Reply
  • tsnorquist
    This would be perfect for Kiosks (merchandising displays and internet cafes).

    That's a bit steep in the the price, but I suppose you're paying for the convenience of an all in one unit.

    Let's see it in action.
    Reply
  • serkol
    Frankly, what eats up the cost is the inclusion of its capacitive touchscreen and ultra-wide band capabilities.
    iPad has a MUCH larger capacitive touchscreen. How come it's cheaper?!
    Reply
  • dan117
    Overpriced...
    Reply
  • the_one111
    xbeaterWhy didn't they call it "Keeeyboard"?Seems nice, similar specs to the netbooks, apart from screen size and SSD. Price is not very well justified though.Continuing that thought...why didn't they call it a K3yboard?
    Reply
  • sstym
    It's ok for a product to be one year late, but they should not have kept their initial specs and upgraded to an N450 atom and Windows 7 Starter. Just a thought.
    Reply
  • Tomtompiper
    serkoliPad has a MUCH larger capacitive touchscreen. How come it's cheaper?!
    It doesn't have a UWB reciever or transmitter for that matter, not sure how much one of these costs, but to get a laptop with UWB enabled expect to pay a high premium.

    Reply