ASUS 10-inch Eee PC 1000-series to launch at Computex?

Oh, snap. As if it weren't official enough already, the subnote war is on. According to a Computex invitation from ASUS, the outfit is planning to not only showcase the Eee PC 901, but also a brand new variant that will likely go mano a mano with the 10-inch MSI Wind. We quote: "[ASUS] would also like to specially extend an invitation to you to attend the official global launch of the new Eee PC 901 and 1000 series." There's no details beyond that right there, but it's plenty to whet our appetites on the heels of the 10.6-inch Eee PC 1001 evidence we've already collected. Oh Tuesday, you seem so far away.

[Via GizmoLounge]

[Homeboy @ May 28th 2008 4:04AM]

Now watch the price be set at $800. One giant leap for the Asus and one giant leap away from the promised $200 Eee.

[rBoLt @ May 28th 2008 4:09AM]

there goes the 901 to the drain. Asus is killing its own product...

[Emor @ May 28th 2008 6:53AM]

Totally. Some people would of bought 900's, and now, two days after release, they go and show off there 1000. I'm giving up on this brand, it's getting stupid, KIDS(what it is aimed at) can't afford a new lappie every week, though, should be allowed to have an up-to-date kid's laptop, they should make a new one every 1-2 years, but every 2 days... seriously.
EMZ 7.7
P.S yes, I know Asus probably didn't want Engadget getting these photos, and that the 1000 wasn't made 2 days after the 900, but, hey, come on, this deserves for some people to be a bit melodramatic!

[asc99c @ May 28th 2008 7:34AM]

That's a ridiculous idea Emor. Technology moves forwards regardless of whether one brand of laptops gets a new model. The Eee 901 doesn't get worse because there's an Eee 1000. Either way there'll still be the MSI Wind out.

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 4:27AM]

At what point does the 10.6" subnotebook start to become a, well, notebook? I thought the whole point was that they were inexpensive, small and have ridiculous battery lives (6-7 hours).

Of course, if the 10.6" screen does indeed fit in the same 22cm x 17cm real estate as the 4g, 8g and 900, that's a different story, but price is already a problem.

For $549, the approximate price of the 900, I can buy a fully functional laptop and simply deal with the size. I mean, $549 for it's purpose is allllllllmost palatable, but any more than that and it's a total wash.

I think most consumers would agree as well.

Am I missing something here?

[tolga.yildirim @ May 28th 2008 4:41AM]

No.. you are spot on... boooo Asus

[john @ May 28th 2008 4:45AM]

Try finding a 10 inch laptop for under $1.000.

If there is a 10inch laptop that is under 2.5lbs and with 4 hour of batterylife for around $800. I will buy 5 of them for my company.

The $549 laptops you are talking about are usally areound 4.5lbs and atleast 15inch. Too big and too heavy to carry around, compared to the 9inch eeePC

[Oinquer @ May 28th 2008 5:32AM]

....MSI Wind anyone??
sorry got my money out of EEE PC already... MSI offering a better service.

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 4:59AM]

I understand your point, John, I really do. However, I'm not convinced it's the business user they're going for here. Would the Linux OS/20GB HD available at this price really suit the needs of your company? Add XP Home/12GB for the same price in response and you're dealing with, well, XP Home (which is certainly not Professional) and cutting it close at 12GB. Would that really work in the long-run?

I emphasize long-run for two reasons. First, I know most people would say yes simply to prove a point. Second, as a business owner myself (though at a very small scale), I know I (rather, my accountant) would be looking at the cost of these computers over their projected life span.

I envision these as more consumer appliances that are feasible to carry around for everyday use. You know, leave the laptop, which has become many a user's primary computer anyway, at home and tote this thing around to get your email and what have you.

I consider my profession to be that of a writer (which is probably why it took 20 words to tell you that). As such, I love the idea of having something that's not my tiny keyboard Blackberry Curve that I could legitimately carry around in a bag with some other stuff, flick open, have at the ready almost instantly, and jot down an idea.

As for the $549 "regular" laptop, I'll agree with you and even go so far as to say 6lbs. as an average! Nevertheless, I think branching out too far means Asus starts to miss the point and loose sight of what made these things so special in the first place.

And for bottom feeders like me that sucks.

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 7:06AM]

It's not meant to be harsh. John makes a valid point, by all means. My use of the term "hyperinflation" is in its most literal sense, as he describes a series of price increase conditions that are very much in line with the term, especially over such a short period of time.

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 7:11AM]

To further clarify, I use "complacent" in a sense that describes what I feel is an irrational acceptance of high prices based on his rationale of a weak dollar.

Yes, the dollar is weak and the same item yesterday will require greater financial resources to procure today, but by no means should something be arbitrarily expensive in relation to its market and competition.

[xconan @ May 28th 2008 10:11PM]

Asus is just offering different flavors of the EEE pc at different price ranges. It's not a 1 size fits all so they made different versions just as Apple has different variations of iPods. Pick and choose your price or flavor of EEE pc and just like any mod it costs money and ASUS did that for the consumer without them having to go out mod it into a mess or turning it into an expensive paper weight.

[John @ May 28th 2008 4:42AM]

$800 is still not expensive, compared to 10 inch sony machines that are $1.500.

The $200 was a when the USD had not lost 45% of its value. When oil was 55% cheaper and when metal was 25% cheaper.

So taking that in consideration. $500 for a 9 inch eeePC is still an amazing deal!

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 5:09AM]

I don't know that complacency with that sort of hyperinflation you describe is really going to solve the problem we're dealing with.

To clarify the problem as I see it, thus making sure we're on the same page, see my post above in reply to you regarding target markets.

Inexpensive subnotebooks with certain limitations one could easily stomach by focusing its use on the vast-majority what-have-you that occurs on a daily basis should be just that: inexpensive.

You're comparing the above to a full-fledged machine that is, relatively speaking, a powerhouse compared to these simple Eee-things. I'd like to see a traveling business user try to write, create and run a graphics-intensive Powerpoint presentation on one of these things without developing maybe a little bit of sweat. The Sony, on the other hand, could handle it with ease. (That said, I suppose if you're using it for simple invoicing in the field it would be fine...)

In essence, I really do believe $500, which is actually $549 (aka 10% more than you describe) is too much. $400 for the same thing and we're speaking the same language, I assure you.

[David @ May 28th 2008 6:55AM]

Come now that's a bit harsh, I don't think that you can disregard price rises of internationally traded commodities as hyperinflation.
And he doesn't look the complacent type

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 7:13AM]

Sorry, responded to the wrong post...twice (it's late and I can't sleep):

It's not meant to be harsh. John makes a valid point, by all means. My use of the term "hyperinflation" is in its most literal sense, as he describes a series of price increase conditions that are very much in line with the term, especially over such a short period of time.

To further clarify, I use "complacent" in a sense that describes what I feel is an irrational acceptance of high prices based on his rationale of a weak dollar.

Yes, the dollar is weak and the same item yesterday will require greater financial resources to procure today, but by no means should something be arbitrarily expensive in relation to its market and competition.

[John @ May 28th 2008 12:57PM]

@Gilbert Tang

In my country, you can get wireless mobile internet up to 7.2Mbit down and 1.8Mbit up for your mobile phone or laptop. The coverage is around 90% of the country. My employees travel to and from work with the train, and most of them like to carry their laptops around and take them on holidays. Not because they are workaholic, but because they enjoy their jobs and use the laptops for private time as well. And we are not a 5 to 9 company. If they want to go to the beach and are still able to answer client emails and questions, they are free to do that, as long as the job gets done and projects are delivered on time

The most usage is checking emails, websites, contacting clients, reading PDF files, preparing presentations and give presentations etc, and update project briefing etc. Nothing really powerful, as the laptop will be their secondary machine, it does not need to be powerful, it needs to be portable.

So if there is a 10 inch EeePC , 1280x720 - 2GB Ram - 16GB SDD – built in HSDPA - min 4 hours battery life. I think they can target businesses like mine that would buy it (as a secondary machine) for their employees.

I have a friend who is the manager of a newspaper with around 30 journalists, who would like to have an affordable machine for writing and uploading articles. 7inch is too small, 9 inch is ok, but 10 would be excellent.

Also at most universities a laptop is now mandatory. As there is wifi coverage and HSDPA, most students must buy a laptop and a large majority just needs to do research, type reports and watch movies. They do not need a heavy machine, but they do need a portable machine.

So I think there is a big enough market for a 10 inch version, as long as it is 450-600 Euros and not much higher. Also, in Europe the only laptop you can buy for under 450 euro is the 10 inch MSI Wind. It is not like the US where you have a lot of choice for around 600 USD.

[Blaine Oliver @ May 28th 2008 5:30AM]

I would rather have a full capacity battery and fair us to uk prices rather than inflated prices and smaller batteries. I have to pay £330 for an EEE with a smaller battery, while the wind base unit will be cheaper, still, $550 is still a lot cheaper than $660 there abouts which the UK one is in American money.

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 5:35AM]

That's just terrible. I'm sorry, man. A stronger currency (much) shouldn't mean for a moment you pay more. Nor should tariffs or other export expenses.

[tekdemon @ May 29th 2008 5:08AM]

Well, you shouldn't think of everything in terms of USD or the continued drop of the USD will make everything seem insanely expensive.
I mean the distributors here get paid in USD, so their overhead is all in USD and not Pounds, etc.

Products have always been cheaper in the US, even before the USD's plummet into oblivion, and I say this having lived in England for several months before.

[Frederik @ May 28th 2008 5:37AM]

I hope Apple will release a sub notebook during WWDC. Otherwise I am so switching back to the dark side (or geek side if possible). Those 13 inches are killing my back.

[Jayden @ May 28th 2008 5:44AM]

doesnt look like they will be eee pc's for long

[lance @ May 28th 2008 6:14AM]

Gear is higher in the EU mostly because of taxes. Sales tax to be more specific.
I agree also that they are losing site of the niche they created in the first place.
But as tech goes, the longer they sell them the cheaper they can get them or in a smaller form factor (maybe thinner).

[substance90 @ May 28th 2008 6:51AM]

This is getting out of control! The original idea was for a $200 mini note book... I can`t imagine what would the price of this one be for Europe...

[David @ May 28th 2008 6:59AM]

uh, hello, VAT anybody?

[kccboy2004 @ May 28th 2008 7:01AM]

Oh...and another thing....

does anybody really think that Google is going to be happy with its Android offering being just on Phones.

I don't think so. I suspect that you will see a scaling up of this to be targeted at specialised "low power" "sub-notebooks".

Just a guess. And bearing in mind I got ViiV completely wrong. I am open for ciriticism.

Hmm Viiv... instant on... instant off...... what a joke.

[LongshotX @ May 28th 2008 10:22AM]

They aren't for light use on your wallet...

[kccboy2004 @ May 28th 2008 7:02AM]

OK.

A few points.

1. Let us not forget the key factor in all of this - SERVICE. You gotta be assured of good service when making the choice between Asus, HP and Wind. For the sake a $100, go with what you know. (wait on the Wind).

2. In terms of price. I am really tiring of people comparing the price of a subnote book to the price of "fuller" sized ones. Subnote books, primarily becuase of production/sales volumes, for the time being are going to be more expensive. (Miniturisation always adds addtional cost anyhow).

3. In terms of the 10 inch display going away from the original concept - didn't I catch that the 10inch would be slotted into the same chassis ?

My belief, I think like others, is that these machines are for VERY light use. I travel on business a lot; the organisation that I work for has a ban on ANY non corporate software on their pc's.

SO.... this means that if I can
a) pick up mail,
b) make a skype call (plus Web-cam as a bonus),
c) watch my slingbox.
d) Download the photo's I have taken on the trip

What more do I want.

I don't want to:
a) Work on Power point presentations (I would buy the Sony for that - but sounds like work)
b) Do Photoshop work
c) Intensive Spreadsheet work.
d) Have more than 2 things open at a time.
e) Watch an HD move (I got slingbox !!) - I could care less about quality of visual's.


That is my take.

[asc99c @ May 28th 2008 7:33AM]

As long as they are not replacing the smaller EEE laptops, I don't think they are in any danger of losing their market niche. They just seem to me to be expanding the family into the sub-notebook market.

Their smallest 'normal' notebook is 11.1" screen, so this is still a smaller machine even than that, and the price is nowhere near comparable.

I think a lot of people looking for a small laptop are those needing to have it around, but not really planning to use it for long stretches. I think a lot of people will wonder if 7/9" is still a little too small, and be happier with the new size.

[rbanke @ May 28th 2008 8:13AM]

This story uses a missleading picture. the uncut version can be found here:

http://digital.xy.hk/news/?postid=877

If you look to the left of this supposed 'eee 1000' you'll see an (seems to be ) eee 900/901 sitting their. The laptop pictured is a full size laptop, not an 'eee sized' laptop.

[Down @ May 28th 2008 9:29AM]

@ Gilbert Tang

"In essence, I really do believe $500, which is actually $549 (aka 10% more than you describe) is too much."

$500 is $549 too much ? You expect to get paid $49 and get the asus for free??

[the tansman @ May 28th 2008 9:36AM]

read before you try to nail someone. he wrote "$500, which is really $549 . . . is too much." he did not write that $500 is $549 too much.

[Gilbert Tang @ May 28th 2008 5:22PM]

@the tansman

Thank you, kindly.

[abpages @ May 28th 2008 9:56AM]

I've got a Eee PC. It's great for what i want to use it for. Travelling - A LOT. The new screen size will be an great improvement though. I find the speakers on mine just waste space that could have been used for more screen. So i'm keen to give this one a go!

http://www.WebSiteDesigners.net.au

[Matt Dearman @ May 28th 2008 11:25AM]

I'm starting to be glad I didn't buy a Eee PC. Not only has ASUS turned it into a technological circus, but if I'm going to spend $549 or more, I'm going to buy a laptop.

It's just ridiculous that they pay $25 or so more for a larger screen, and bump up the price $100 to the consumer.

This is what happens when a brand does not have faith in it's user base. They might as well just forget it.

[sinai @ May 28th 2008 12:56PM]

i dont think you guys have caught on, but the "model number" is actually "the price asus is going to charge in USD"

[filepromptdotcom @ May 29th 2008 9:59AM]

If asus want to charge real money, then they will need a real spec computer, no 1.2 ghz or 8gb memory, they will need a real processor thats at least capable of youtube video full screen, and 40gb would be enough to keep me reasonably happy

http://www.painful-back.com/

[BlakNinja @ May 29th 2008 12:58PM]

Why in the hell is the func key and the ctrl key swapped place?