The Asus Eee PC T91 is certainly one of the most eagerly awaited netbooks on the horizon. Netbook Choice managed to get hands-on with the 8.9-inch convertible tablet at a press event yesterday held at Lamborghini London. Overall their experience of the unit was a positive one, although they do have some reservations about the interface:
“The main problem we had is that when trying to navigate pages, the screen seemed a little unresponsive. Some commands needed a few button presses to register , as you’ll see in the video below. It has to be said though that using the stylus worked much better than our fingers. We were playing with a pre-production sample so hopefully these issues will be sorted out upon release. We do think Asus have a very nice device here but much will depend if they can nail that interface down, especially considering the steep £450 price tag. Check out our hands-on video below.”
However the size of the machine impresses them:
“What strikes you when you first catch eyes on the T91 is just how small it is. The model doesn’t have the curves that you see on the Seashell Eee PC range, the T91’s design is more ‘boxy’, but that doesn’t detract from the styling. We found the T91 to be very solidly built, with the hinge mechanism feeling quite sturdy, something that’s crucial for such a device. We noticed no creaking when pressing on the case and, despite its size; I felt that I could comfortably put the T91 into a bag without worrying about its fragility.”
An interesting take on the development that netbooks are becoming featured with tablet like features. The small convertible tablet netbooks have limitations that make it hardly impossible for it to be used as a note taking, inking or other handwriting type of device. They work great when using the touch functionality with hands and fingertips but it becomes cumbersome when using it to write notes.
The reason for this according to jkOnTheRun is that most professional tablets use active digitzers. You might know these from your typical standalone Wacom tablet designers and artists use. The digitzers connect to the pen by radio and detect only the touches made with the pen but not touches by fingers or other objects. This immediately is also their advantage. Leaning on the screen with your hand palm or wrists will not create a touch.
However, the Asus Eee PC T91 uses passive digitzers. Just like the upcoming Asus Eee PC T101H and other upcoming netbook tablet offerings by MSI and Gigabyte. The reason? Cost ofcourse. And because the target demographics for netbook buyers is not design professionals but consumers with a low-budget. They don’t care. The touch idea seems to be a great selling point but it is good to see the critical side of it in terms of actual touch functionality when you go passed the ‘gimmick’ phase. The GUI video played by AsusTablet.com before did show some note taking though, it did not look all too bad. But the video is made by ASUS in a set up environment, thus possibly not being a very realistic perspective.
Still, even without note taking and inking the T91 is useful. Imagine students quickly sliding through Powerpoint slides while having the T91 next to their notebook. Or your parents using it because the touch interface feels so much more natural to them than a keyboard. Or media consuming young people who dislike the idea of working with a keyboard when playing their music and watching videos on YouTube. Apart from being the first, the T91 still has enough selling points even if it does not take notes best.
We also need to consider the relative age of this new market of netbook tablets. ASUS again pretty much single-handedly created a new market segment (just as they did with the netbooks). This is the first model in that market. There will be kinks in the cable and they will be resolved in future models. The costs of touch screens are rapidly decreasing and the quality of them is increasing. In any way, it is good that it happens eventhough there is criticism to be made on the first few models. It will change the way users interface with their computers forever.
An anonymous tipster just sent us these photos of a supposedly first batch of ASUS Eee PC T91 models shipped to the electronics store Currys in the United Kingdom.
On Friday, AsusTablet.net was told by an anonymous ASUS insider that the model had been delayed in shipment by logistical problems, being not too specific, but that it would hit retail stores this Monday, this might be true as we see from these photos just sent in.
The photos show the outside of a shipping box with a transit sheet that notes ASUS Computers International GmbH in Germany, where ASUS has its distribution hub for Western Europe. The shipment is destined for Currys Digital in Hertfordshire, UK, where Currys distribution headquarters is located. It all seems to make sense. The date stamp shows today, Sunday 21 June 2009. Does this mean the T91 will be sold tomorrow at Currys? The shipment also seems to have passed through Amsterdam during airmail reading from the AMS on the DHL sticker. Will this mean the T91 will also be sold in stores in the Netherlands this week? We hope so.
What is interesting from the photos is that Currys requested 260 units but received only 193. Is ASUS experiencing a shortage in units or problems in production of the T91, which does require new types of production processes (even for ASUS) as it is its first touchscreen netbook.
An anonymous ASUS insider told AsusTablet.com that the Eee PC T91 is still shipping but is delayed in distribution to the retail channels due to a “logistical mishap” in distribution. The problem is reportedly solved now and the device can be expected in stores from next Monday, the 22nd of June.
Reports last week in news channels all around the world mentioned that the T91 would start shipping thisweek but it still not here. The reasons are now becoming clear.
It is one of the many delays the T91 has experienced. This is interesting as other ASUS Eee PC devices have never been delayed as much as this model. This makes us question if there are structural concerns with the Eee PC T91. Is ASUS experiencing problems with the model and delaying it purposely to resolve these before retail availability? We might never know…
In our new series of accesories for the ASUS Eee PC T91, we now tell you about available screen protectors for the T91. Why use a screen protector on the T91? Because its screen is not made of glass! It is made from a soft film that is highly vulnerable to scratches and gouges. The use of screen protectors eliminates this problem. The cost of replacing your screen can cost almost as much as the T91 itself.
B & E Custom Screen Protector ASUS EeePC T91 9″ $9.99 at Bandegifts.com
Using our static cling or anti-glare film will reduce some of the RF radiation on your ASUS Eee PC T91. In addition, it will protect your screen from scratches and gouges.
Netbook sleeves for the ASUS Eee PC T91 are now available in several colours and models, here is a few of the best netbook sleeves accesories summed up for you.
MobileEdge MESSU1-8.9X Ultra Portable Sleeve for ASUS Eee PC T91
MobileEdge MESSU1-8.9X Ultra Portable Sleeves are the ultimate combination of mobile convenience and protection. Built to carry your laptop in a skin of padded neoprene MobileEdge MESSU1-8.9X Ultra Portable Sleeve can be carried on it’s own, or as extra protection inside a larger carrying case. Featuring a large zippered exterior front pocket for your power supply or other accessories, a convenient Nylon carrying strap for ease of use, and heavy-duty zipper pulls, this laptop sleeve ensures both mobility and protection for your laptop computer. Water-resistant Neoprene and reinforced corners make sure that your laptop is protected, whether you’re on the road or in the classroom. For the best on-the-go carrying solution, the stylish MobileEdge MESSU1-8.9X Ultra Portable Sleeve is the answer!
When you’re looking for a briefcase that isn’t the normal stuffy design, look no further than the Edge Ultra Portable Netbook Briefcase. It’s sporty looks are complimented by great features like a padded laptop computer section, RipStop exterior material and multiple internal pockets to hold all your gear. The Edge line was designed to stand out – while not breaking the bank. Great looks for a great price, with all the great features and Lifetime Warranty you expect from Mobile Edge! The Edge Briefcase – Welcome to the Edge!Features:
Protective interior computer compartment adjusts for custom fit from 8.9” to 13”.
Also fits the new Amazon Kindle 2
Perfect size to accommodate Netbook computer with ample room for accessories, power supply, phone, files, magazines, etc.
Made of durable 600 Denier Ballistic Nylon accented with 1200 Denier Diamond Ripstop Nylon.
Comfortable carrying handles and ergonomically padded shoulder strap.
Two easy access front pockets and mesh water bottle pocket, conveniently placed.
Additional pocket on backside of case, ideal size for files, magazines, etc.
Asus has just announced it has begun shipping the Asus Eee PC T91 tablet net book to retail stores today. It has been delayed numerous times but it seems it is now really happening finally. Information about its sister model the T101H is still missing.
Here are the final specifications in case you missed them:
EEE PC T91 Specifications:
Screen: 8.9″ LED Backlight / Resistive Touch Panel
Asus has published a US product page for the upcoming Eee PC T91 convertible tablet style netbook. This will be the first mini-laptop from the company with a touchscreen display that can fold down over the keyboard for use in tablet mode.
Some important features announced on the product page:
Up to 5 hours of battery life
Size of a B5 paper, 225 by 164 mm
Weight is 0.96 kg
8.9″ Display
Total internal storage is 32 Gb: A shockproof SSD drive of up to 16Gb, online storage called “Eee Storage” of 200 Gb and an expandable SSD storage slot for another 16Gb
Selected models support 3G+ (HSUPA) technology enabling them to be used on the go and connecting to data networks of your cellular provider.
The Eee PC T91 has an 8.9 inch, 1024 x 600 pixel display. The version that ships with Windows XP will reportedly have a resistive touchscreen, which means single-touch only. The version that ships with Windows 7 later this year will include a capacitive display capable of recognizing multiple inputs to take advantages of the gesture and multitouch support in Windows 7.
Unique TouchSuite software for intuitive user experience
Convertible Tablet PC Form Factor for Flexibility of Use
B5 size and weight 0.96kg light
Up to 5 hours** long battery life with Super Hybrid Engine
Sleek and Stylish Portability
Anticipating that the Eee PC™ T91 will spend a sizable amount of its time cradled in users’ arms, ASUS’ designers made sure to keep it extremely slim and light. The Eee PC™ T91 measures just 225cm by 164cm, and weighs a mere 0.96kg—making it one of the smallest and thinnest gadgets with an 8.9″ display in the world today.
Intuitive TouchSuite software
The Eee PC™ T91’s unique software applications, collectively known as TouchSuite, allow users to perform a myriad of fun tasks with their fingertips, such as touching up photos, creating photo albums, leaving handwritten desktop memos for loved ones, and sketching cartoons or custom emoticons.
Touchscreen and Convertible Tablet PC Form Factor for Flexibility of Use
The Eee PC™ T91’s tablet PC functionality makes it easy to cradle in one arm, enabling users to read documents, scribble ideas into digital notebooks and surf the Internet while traveling on foot. The Eee PC™ T91 is also equipped with a TV tuner* and Global Positioning System (GPS)* for extensive entertainment options and advanced navigation capabilities on the go.
“Hybrid Storage” for Massive Storage
The Hybrid Storage options allow users to choose between different ways to enjoy easy access to data storage on-the-go. Users can choose from: Built-in Shockproof Solid State Drive (SSD) of up to 16GB, exclusive Eee Storage of up to 20GB which allows users to upload and download their files via an intuitive drag and drop interface, and also download games, wallpapers and customized software to enhance their Eeexperience, and expandable storage via through the Disk Expander Card of 16GB.
Extended Battery Life with Super Hybrid Engine
With the exclusive ASUS Super Hybrid Engine’s increased power efficiency, the Eee PC™ can deliver an impressively long battery lifespan—eliminating worries about power while on-the-go and easily keeps users connected for 5 hours**, unplugged computing.
Always-on Connectivity
The Eee PC™ T91 is equipped with 3G plus (HSUPA) technology*, enabling high-speed Internet access anywhere. With support for 802.11n, you can now enjoy faster surfing speeds than previous a/b/g wireless standards. This allows you enjoy quick downloading and streaming of large multimedia files; and with a full range of applications, help enhance your communications and computing experience.
* Available on selected models
** Actual battery life is subject to normal usage and configuration as well as model type
* All specifications are subject to change without notice. Please check with your supplier for exact offers. Products may not be available in all markets.
* PCB color and bundled software versions are subject to change without notice.
* Brand and product names mentioned are trademarks of their respective companies.
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“Hybrid Storage” for Massive Storage
Always-on Connectivity
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News, Pictures, Reviews, Syndicated, T91, Videos | Heather | Sunday, June 28th, 2009
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