Asus is prepping an Aluminum EEEPC for release to the general public. Dubbed the 1002HAE this new netbook will have almost exactly the same specs as the 1002HA with the exception of an upgraded CPU (Atom N280) but will be made with aluminum overlays.

The move will shave a cool 50g off of the weight but wont take more from your wallet.

As of this writing the 1002HAE will only be available in Japan. Looks like the rest of us will have to wait.

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The 1002HAE is actually identical to the 1002HA in terms of features, with one exception, the CPU has been upgraded to an Atom N280, and the aluminium inlays of course. The 1002HAE has also managed to shed 50g in weight, so it seems like aluminium is lighter than plastic, at least in this implementation.

Considering the asking price of 49,800 Yen, or €379 (£333/$504) it's actually priced at the same level as the 1002HA in Europe, which makes it a pretty decent deal at the end of the day. The 1002HAE will be available in three colour, red, blue and black. It's still unknown if this model will become available outside of Japan.