Mini-laptop pioneers ASUS have announced a new EEE PC model which includes an optical disc drive, a first for the trendsetting range. The 1004DN model also boasts an ergonomic keyboard and 10-inch LCD display that supports 720p high definition playback.

The Asus Eee PC 904HD is currently being given away by T-Mobile on a bundled broadband package so it likely to be falling into the hands of a lot of first time subnotebook users over the next few weeks.

ASUS has announced the Eee PC 1002HA, the newest member of its award-winning family of UMPCs. Boasting a stylishly redesigned chassis adorned with a brushed aluminum LCD cover and palm rest, Asus describes the 1002HA as “a sophisticated, lightweight, easy-to-use netbook that brings a touch of elegance and utility to everyday computing.”

T-Mobile is now offering the Asus Eee PC 904HD with mobile broadband packages. Featuring an 8.9″ LCD screen and Windows XP, the laptop is available on 24 month plans starting from £21.28 per month.

O2 has unveiled the Asus-built Xda Zest, the latest addition to its range of own label smartphones and the first Xda to be made available on Pay&Go, as well as on Pay Monthly.

Mobile phone companies Orange and T-Mobile have become the latest firms to offer free laptops on new mobile broadband plans.

Whether it’s a Mayoral hustings or an advance look at an upcoming film there always seems to be something to drag me away from my desk and so away from my computer – a tad inconvenient for someone who spends so much of the time writing.