Asus 1015PEM EEE PC gets the dual-core Atom N550 CPU

If there weren’t enough 10 inch netbooks from Asus on the market, there’s now another one: the Asus EEE PC 1015PEM.

This one si fairly similar to the others in the 1015PE class in terms of looks and design. In fact, it will bring the same matte smooth body, available in a couple of colors, same keyboard and wide trackpad with silver delimitation bars on the sides.

Asus EEE PC 1015PEM with Dual-Core Atom N550 processor

However, inside you’ll get the new dual-core Atom N550 1.5 GHz processor from Intel. Having the dual-core CPU will boost performance significantly , allowing it to multitask and run 720p HD content properly, without any help from accelerators like the ones from Broadcom. However, sources say it will only support up to 2 GB of DDR3 memory and it would have been great if you could pack 4 GB on this small machine.

All in all, this is an alternative for the Asus 1015N (with dual-core and ION) and the mainstream Asus 1015PE, situated somewhere right between them. Prices are announced for 350 euros in Europe, which should translate in 370-400 bucks once this device reaches the States. So quite a nice netbook deal, considering you do get buffed performance on the Asus EEE PC 1015PEM.

The good news is that Asus plan to be the first to release a dual-core 10 inch mini laptop on the market, so we should see the 1015PEM very soon. Stay tuned fro more info.

Update: There’s an official webpage on Asus site for the 1015PEM, with specs and some extra pictures. See those below:

• N550 1.5 GHz dual-core processor
• 1 GB DDR3 memory (up to 2 GB)
• 160-320 GB HDD + 500 GB EEE Storage for free
• Wi-Fi N, Bluetooth 3.0
• VGA, USB ports, card-reader, headphone/mic, webcam, LAN
• Windows 7 Starter
• 10.1 inch LED backlit display, 1024 x 600 px, glossy
• 3 or 6 Cell batteries (up to 13 hours of life on the 6 Cell 63Wh one)

It’s also going to come with a couple of different finishing options, in black, silver, red or white, both matte or glossy.

Asus 1015PEM - available in a bunch of different colors and finishing options

The 1015PEM is now also available in the US and I’m quite impressed with its price. The top version, with N550 processor and big 13 hours battery , goes for $399 with Shipping Included, and price might even drop a little bit in the next weeks. More details, pics and reviews via this link.

It is 40 bucks more expensive than then popular Asus 1015PED, which is identical but brings a single-core processor so is slightly slower than this one. I for one really consider the price difference worth it, as every bit of extra performance is welcomed on a netbook, but it’s up to you to decide if you need it or not.

Via NetbookItalia and Netbooknews

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Tags: 10" netbook, Asus EEE PC, Asus netbooks, dual core ATOM, Intel Atom N550

Last updated: September 15, 2010 | Published: August 26th, 2010 | See the comments or add yours!