Sooo…..this is interesting news from ASUS with an interesting way of spreading it.  ASUS sent out a press release today that the 1000HE is going to be the first netbook to offer the Intel Atom N280 and promises up to 9.5 hours of battery life. 

What’s more interesting to me?  Rather than providing a link to the ASUS.com page for more information and pre-order locations, instead they are pointing us all to a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6297967631

ASUS Upgrades Eee PC 1000HE with Atom N280 - Mobile 2

FREMONT, CALIFORNIA (February 2, 2009)-ASUS, the innovator who revolutionized the mobile computing landscape with the original Eee PC netbook, today announces its most powerful and long-lasting Eee PC yet – the 1000HE. Available for pre-order from selected online E-tailers, the Eee PC 1000HE is the pinnacle of netbook computing, offering more power, longer battery life, increased comfort and legendary ASUS quality.

World’s First Atom N280 Netbook

With the extra power of the Intel Atom N280 processor, users will be able to boot faster, get work done quicker, and enjoy higher performance compared to other Atom N270-powered netbooks. The Eee PC 1000HE also features ASUS’ exclusive Super Hybrid Engine (SHE) technology, which can boost CPU speed for extra power or lower it to preserve battery life, all at the touch of a button.

Higher Density battery, New Keyboard

The Eee PC 1000HE is equipped with a high-density battery that, when combined with the Super Hybrid Engine, allows for an industry-leading 9.5 hours of battery life*. Using the Eee PC all-day has never been easier thanks to its bright 10” LED backlit display and new “chiclet” keyboard that allows for faster and more comfortable typing.
 
Wireless Internet and File Storage on-the-go

The Eee PC 1000HE comes with WiFi 802.11b/g/n network connectivity for ultimate wireless accessibility and mobility. Bluetooth v2.0 is also included for flexibility and convenience with any Bluetooth devices.

Additionally, the Eee PC 1000HE is outfitted with 170GB of Hybrid Storage – 160GB of internal hard disk drive and 10GB of file-encrypted Eee Online Storage. Users can store, share and access documents and multimedia easily on the move.

Pricing and Availability

The ASUS Eee PC 1000HE is available immediately for pre-order through the official ASUS Eee PC Group on Facebook at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6297967631. The introductory MSRP of the Eee PC 1000HE is $399 USD. For a limited time, an additional $25 instant discount will apply to the pre-orders. The Eee PC 1000HE will be available in both Fine Ebony Black and Blue in North America.