Accessories Start Plugging Into Asus' Eee PC

Asus introduced the Eee PC in October, but accessories for the ultraportable have just started trickling out as users familiarize themselves with the PC. The accessories, which include an extended battery, mice and travel chargers, provide additional power, convenience and protection to Eee PCs.

Asus' Extended Battery

By default, the Eee PC comes with a 4-cell lithium-ion battery that lasts between 3 to 3-1/2 hours. Asus recently introduced a 6-cell battery to provide extended battery life to the PC. Asus said the product is coming soon, though a release date wasn't announced. It is listed as available for preorder on Clove Technology's Web site in the U.K. for £50 (US$99). The Web site says that availability is expected in the third quarter, although the price has yet to be confirmed.

Asus also announced mice and headsets for the Eee PC, but did not announce release dates.

A Complete Eee PC Accessory Pack

Expansys USA will soon sell an accessory pack that includes products to charge and protect the Eee PC. The pack includes a travel adaptor, a car power charger, a screen protector and a black leather case. The ORA Essential Accessories Pack's AC adaptor, designed for travel, has interchangeable heads for plug sockets in Europe, North America and Asia, and the car power charges the notebook from any standard 12- 24V DC cigarette lighter socket, according to Expansys.

The pack is available for preorder on Expansys' Web site for $127.95 and will begin shipping on March 19.

More Adapters

Incipio Technologies is selling the Continental Power Adapter, which includes an AC adapter, car charger and airplane adapter. The AC adapter comes with four interchangeable heads allowing it to work globally.

The adapter set seems reasonably priced at $39.99, especially with the airline adapter included. It is available on Incipio's Web site.

Mounts

Mount Guys is selling kits to mount the Eee PC on a car seat or cup holder. Both the holders come with velcro strips that adhere to Eee PC's dimensions and require no drilling to install. The mounts have an antishock feature that prevents an Eee PC from skipping, according to the vendor's Web site.

The Cup Holder Car Mount is $16.88 on Mount Guys' Web site while the Car Floor, Seat Bolt Mount Kit costs $18.69.

Eee in the Bag

Customized to Eee PC's dimensions, Proporta sells the Gadget Bag, which allows the Eee PC to be placed snugly in a larger bag or backpack. The bag includes padded compartments, preventing the laptop from bumps and scratches, according to the company.

The $48 bag is available on Proporta's Web site.