The Asus Eee Keyboard, previously confirmed for an October 2009 release, won't be out until 2010. Savvy gadget nerds probably realized this several days ago, when the netbook-inside-a-keyboard didn't launch within the one month window given. Now, Digitimes gives us the reason why. Apparently the original version of the Eee Keyboard didn't pass wireless regulation testing.

That's a huge bummer for every gadget nerd who wanted one of the sweet and totally cyberpunk keyboards, but this bad news comes with a bit of good. Asus has restated that the Eee Keyboard will be coming to the US and Europe. The company will be updating the machine in order to comply with regulations, and they've also made the 5” touchscreen interface capacitive. The device's price point will stay at around $500 USD.

So we've got to deal with (another) delay, but a somewhat-improved version of the keyboard will be hitting in early 2010. And there's more good news. Asus also confirmed that, during the CES 2010 show, they'll be debuting a 10” tablet PC as well as several smartbooks. They'll also show off some Atom N450 netbooks, new ultraportable PCs, and possibly a 9” grayscale E-Reader. In addition, CES could see the first unveiling of “several” Asus Android smartphones.

Hot damn! So far, 2010 is right on track to look awesome.