New Eee PC models due on Tuesday

Asus is set to launch new models of its popular Eee PC subnotebook on Tuesday at the Computex exhibition in Taipei.

The Eee 901 — the first iteration of the laptop to include Intel's low-power Atom chipset — will definitely be launched. Also expected to appear is the Eee 1001, which will be the first in the series to have a 10-inch screen.

Asus UK product manager Peter Butler told ZDNet.co.uk on Monday that it was probable the Eee 901 would include Bluetooth connectivity alongside Wi-Fi. Butler said he thought it unlikely, however, that reports of a WiMax version would turn out to be correct at this time.

Another device that may also make its debut this week is the Eee Box, the desktop version of the Eee PC.

Once the new models have been launched, Asus is expected to cut the prices of its Eee 701 (featuring a seven-inch screen) and Eee 900 (featuring an 8.9-inch screen and similar to the 901, but pre-Atom) devices.

Asus will not be the only manufacturer launching new subnotebook-class devices on Tuesday. With Atom due to have its official launch then, scores of rivals will arrive from companies such as Acer and MSI.