Asustek Computer this week officially unveiled the world’s first netbook with 10” screen as well as optical disk drive (ODD). The new netbook is hardly aimed at budget-minded consumers, but even though it is based on the new-generation Intel Atom platform with improved graphics performance, it will not offer higher-quality screen.

Asus Eee PC 1004DN is based on Intel Atom N280 processor that works at 1.66GHz and uses 667MHz processor system bus as well as Intel GN40 core-logic, a special version of Intel 4-series chipsets with DirectX 10-class integrated graphics core with reduced power consumption and new input/output controller. The device is equipped with 10” LED-backlit screen with 1024x600 resolution. The netbook also features 1GB of DDR2 memory, 120GB 1.8” hard disk drive, DVD burner, 802.11n wireless network card, Bluetooth 2.1 controller, built-in 1.3MP webcam, high-def audio and so on.

With optical disc drive as well as 6-cell battery the Eee PC 1004DN weighs 1.45kg, which is inline with the weight of fully-featured ultra-portable notebooks based on dual-core Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessors. Given that central processing units do not account for a huge part of notebooks’ costs, it is highly likely that the difference in pricing between the new Asus Eee and fully-fledged ultra-portable notebooks with decent performance will not be too high.

Rather surprisingly, the Eee PC 1004DN features the Asus Data Security System (ADSM) which allows users to log-on using their fingerprints and to encrypt a single folder with the same security system. Considering that fingerprint readers are usually installed onto commercial machines for executives and highly-ranked personnel who handle sensitive data, it is rather surprising to see this device on a netbook that is supposed to be cost-efficient.

Asustek did not reveal recommended pricing for the Eee PC model 1004DN.

Tags: ASUS, Eee, Intel, Atom