How far can Asus push the Eee PC?

 

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 21 Apr 2008 at 14:57

Asus has confirmed there will be a 10in version of its ground-breaking Eee PC.

Speaking at the official launch of the 8.9in Eee PC 900, Asus CEO Jerry Shen said the company plans to continue boosting the screen size of the ultraportable laptop.

"The feedback we've received from users has been great," he said. "Many have asked us for bigger screens and better usability. That's what made us start developing the Eee PC 900."

Shen didn't confirm how much the 10in device would cost, but the big question is how much further Asus can push the Eee PC concept? The two standout features of the original Eee PC were its outrageously inexpensive price (£215 inc Vat) and its tiny dimensions.

But the more Asus continues to increase the screen size, the more the device will cost and the bigger it will become. The Eee PC 900 has already pushed the price up to £329, albeit in the same chassis size. The 10in model is unlikely to come in under £400 and will have to be larger than the 900, pushing it into direct competition with the bottom-of-the-range laptops offered by the likes of Dell and HP, and indeed Asus's own full laptop range.

Earlier today, Asus also said it was confident the battery supply problems that have led to shortages of Eee PCs will be solved by June.