The new 802.11n/Bluetooth combo add-in card for Netbooks and laptops.

Generally, wireless functions–such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular data, and so on–are added to your portable computer via add-in cards. These cards share the same PCI standard as other PCI add-in cards found in desktop computers, but they are much smaller in size.
Though small, there are only so many add-in cards a laptop, and especially a Netbook, can accommodate. For this reason, what Atheros, a known maker of wireless solutions, introduced Tuesday is a significant development.

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Eee Pc T91

It’s nigh impossible to talk about netbooks without giving at least a passing nod to the original Eee PC 701. Asus started the netbook ball rolling with that machine, and from our experiences during this Eee PC T91 review, it’s set to achieve a similar feat with affordable touchscreen netbooks.

We’ve managed to get our hands on a pre-production sample prior to its full launch at the beginning of June, and while it’s not quite finished, it’s close enough for us to get excited about its potential.

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The new S101 next to an Eee PC 901.

It’s got a 10.2-inch screen, but the basic components are the same as those found in the current 9- and 10-inch versions of the Eee PC–the 1.6GHz Atom N270 processor and 945GME chipset, paired with a solid-state hard drive.

What makes this different from previous editions of the popular Netbook is its thin design–only marginally thicker than a MacBook Air at 21mm thick, and its SSD options, which reportedly go all the way up to a 64GB drive. That highest-end version pushes the boundaries of the Netbook category at US$899, and we hear that the S101 might end up losing the Eee brand altogether, to be better marketed as an upscale product.

Asustek Computer is planning to launch two Eee PCs the S101 and S91 under its new Ultimate segment, which focuses on high quality and ultra slim designs, according to channel sources.

Additionally, the company is planning to launch four models for its Pro Fashion segment including the 1000HV.

Pro Fashion and Ultimate models are all expected to see prices over NT$20,000 (US$649.31) with a chance to hit NT$30,000 for some models, added the sources.