Netbook pioneer Asustek Computer unveiled its first e-reader, the DR-900, at the Cebit electronics show going on now in Hanover, Germany.

The DR-900 comes with a thin, 9-inch e-reader screen and includes Wi-Fi and optional 3G wireless connectivity, the company said in a statement. The e-reader is designed to ensure the batteries can last through 10,000 page turns, or around 20 or 30 novels, on a single charge.

"We deeply researched the habits of people who use e-readers and believe reading comfort and battery life are the two key factors," the company said.

A company representative said a price for the e-reader has not yet been decided, nor when Asustek will begin global sales.

Asustek CEO, Jerry Shen, said the e-reader will likely be launched to the market during the Computex electronics show in Taipei this June. He said Asustek planned to work with content providers in launching the e-reader.

Asus Debuts Slimmer, Trimmer Netbooks

Asus, which seems to have a new netbook every month, is showing three new ones this week at CeBIT, the giant tech trade show in Hannover, Germany.

Perhaps the most innovative is the Eee PC Prime 1018P, which has a 10.1 inch LED screen but is only seven tenths of an inch thick--Asus's thinnest to date. The 1018P is encased in aluminum, and will ship in four colors. Its advanced features include support for USB 3.0 and a fingerprint reader (something you don't typically see in a netbook).

Also new: The Ee e PC Diary 1016, promising up to 14 hours of battery life for mobile professionals who need reliable notebooks. Asus uses brushed aluminum in the case here, too.

Finally, Asus is already refreshing it recently introduced Eee PC Seashell (P005) with the P1015, which also promises up to 14 hours of battery life with a removable battery and a screw-less design.

No immediate word on when these new models will go on sale, or what they'll cost.