ASUS downgrades Eee PC shipment forecast, blames iPad
By Vlad Savov 
posted August 17th 2010 3:50AM
posted August 17th 2010 3:50AM
posted August 17th 2010 3:50AM
Apple iPad 3rd-gen
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I think I know what Asus will do. 17" Netbook!
Considering how quick Asus were to dump their last attempt at Linux-based machines, I really doubt anyone will take the risk of sitting with a more or less unsupported system in a couple of months after the purchase. The EEE Pad will probably have Android och Windows in half a year, me thinks...
I have owned a netbook for almost three years now, but have used it only a few times. It is vastly under-powered to be running Windoze. The screen was too small and of poor/low resolution. As for the small keyed-keyboard... hmmm. I only ever managed to use it as a web browser, but it was a bit clumsy for that, given the short battery life.
So, I am now the proud owner of an iPad. Never thought I had a need for it until I got stuck into it. Every home should have one.
Sent from my iPad
@Ruthless I bought my iPad to use for entertainment on a plane when traveling, and have found that I use it more than my MacBook Pro for everyday Internet use. I would agree that every home should own one...
This is what I have wanted since seeing the PADD on Star Trek the next generation when I was in junior high school, and I believe that devices like those are the way of the future. Natural intuitive input is what I love the most about it, just need to get a capacitive stylus for drawing since I have not finger painted since the 70's...
@AlaskanHandyman People often get confused with thinking that the iPad can replace a work desktop or laptop. But it has not been designed for this at all. I think that Apple has made a smart move here with the iPad, by having the balls to launch a modern device ahead of everyone else.
I absolutely love my iPad. Makes me wonder why I have spent so many years browsing the web with a keyboard and mouse! I can really see a lot of potential for the device on a software side, to make it less-iPhoney and more desktopy. There has to be a better way to multi-task (switch between apps) on the larger device, compared with how it's done on the iPhone. Multi-tasking in iOS4 works perfectly on the iPhone, but I can't see myself constantly double-clicking the home button on the iPad to switch between apps.
@Ruthless There is no way that I could ever replace my MacBook pro for work using an iPad... The same way that I cannot curl up in a chair to read a novel with my MacBook Pro. Both are great devices and both have their uses and limits, they both complement each other very well.
The iPad's instant on is my instant on, all needs covered. I can't imagine going back to netbooks now, though I'll eventually replace the laptop. Until you try it you really can't have an unbiased opinion. I just wish Apple were forced to compete more so they'd fix stuff faster.
@Chris Aubeck I would love to see Apple make unibody MacPad Pro, give me my 1920 x 1200 IPS display, OS X and multitouch, a large hard drive and I would give up my MacBook Pro. This way of interfacing with computers is where things are headed, and I am glad to be an early adoptee.
@AlaskanHandyman The other day in a cafe someone asked what computer I was using. That was the first time I became aware that it is just a computer. It felt as weird as if someone had asked me the same thing ca. 2004 while I was jabbing away at the iPaq 1940.
@Chris Aubeck I love the fact that computers have become so pervasive that we no longer think of them as computers. I am constantly asked about my iPad when I have it out in public.
The iPad, can't live with it, can't live without it.
I don't think Engadget knows what Trifecta means. It doesn't mean the same as 'three', or 'trio.
@Marmite Turkey Bah, seems that regular misuse has forced it to mean exactly that.
My bad. But lots of other peoples' bads first.
i just bought an acer aspire one.. I was contemplating getting the ipad but for $250 i got a lightweight machine, installed ubuntu netbook edition and its great for a little device to have around the house. And if the wife is working on the main pc and I need to do something in microsoft office I can do that with no problem. So basically I am happy with my purchase, no regrets.
but... if the price was the same.. i woulda probably went with the ipad.
that's really stupid comments unless jobs paid him.
I would blame it on market satuation plus the stupid WSVGA screen.
I think the iPad is a really nice product. I don't find that it has enough for me personally to warrant buying one, but complaining that your having your ass handed to you in the market isn't going to change that fact.
I think the market's nature will change slightly after more legit tablets come out from the other OS's, and then the realization might be that people are buying something that is cool, rather than wanting a specific piece of hardware or a Netbook. I think a lot of the times people skip the Netbook and go straight to the Laptop.
@YoMamaOS Saying more legit tablet sort of misses the point all the ipad sales are making don't you think? People aren't clamoring to use a touchscreen to do full OS things, they seem instead to want a more focused and streamlined experience.
@yomachaser
You know what, that is entirely my bad for being vague. What I meant was, the iPad is by far the best player in it's niche right now if I'm not mistaken. When more legit tablets come out, as in variety, that the tablet market will further differentiate it's self from the Netbook market. I think a lot of consumers that have Netbooks are "gadget heads," to some extent, so they are willing to try the iPad, which is where ASUS is feeling some burn, however, the iPad has also seemingly "created" a consumer that would not have been interested in any such product had the iPad never been released. And as more of these devices are released, the fact that they are highly brand oriented is going to create a market that separates itself from the Netbook market in a definitive manner.
And really I have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm just making observations that are based on very available information. I speak as if I've done vast amounts of research when in reality I'm just an asshole with a connection...it's why I love Engadget.
@YoMamaOS
P.S
F.U. Auto correct.
Does this mean the asus 1215n eeepc isn't going to come out as expected?
Ok, I was really hoping that Engadget would express some insight into this topic, but I was wrong.
This is a case of the original "journalist" interjecting his own interpretation of what Mr. Shen was saying.
Asus is simply changing its production line to now include the Tablet models they have been working on. The iPad was mentioned as a highlight to how this sector is the emerging trend. This does NOT mean that just because the iPad was launched first, that all subsequent tablets are a direct result of it, as the "jurnalist" implies.
Any tech pundit or for that matter any reader of a tech blog knows that this was to be the year of the tablet. It would only make sense for a company to throttle down the production of a product that competes at near the same price point to said companies new product line. We will likely see all companies that produce netbooks and are soon to release a tablet do the same thing.
This is the very reason why apple like to release new product types first. It gains them undue recognition and makes the latter companies seem like followers instead of leaders. It works quite well though, even with the glaring problems of ALL first gen Apple products. IE.. " We were first, but we had to cut this, this, this, and that to get here."
Will this delay the 1215n? Because I'd be REALLY irritated if that were the case.