ASUS Eee PC family to grow in 2008

ASUS Eee PC

ASUS is planning to build on the success of the ASUS Eee PC by launching new Eee product families. Among the new Eee products will be the E-DT (a desktop PC), E-TV (a set of 42-inch or greater TVs) and an E-Monitor (an all-in-one PC).

The first version of the E-DT desktop PC will run an Intel Celeron processor but future generations will use the Intel Shelton’08 platform with Diamondville processors and the 945GC chipset. Set to launch in April or May, prices should range from USD$200 to USD$300. The E-DT will be showcased at CeBIT 2008.

The E-TV will feature an over-42-inch display. Unlike most TVs, it will integrate Linux-based PC functionality. Prices should be no more than about USD$200 more than a comparably-sized TV without the added functionality. The E-TV should launch in September.

The E-Monitor will be an all-in-one device (like an iMac or Dell XPS One). Also launching in September, they will feature the Intel Shelton’08 platform and a display somewhere in the size of 19- to 21-inches. It will also come with a built-in TV tuner. The E-Monitor should sell for about USD$499.

On the Eee PC front, Jerry Shen, president of Asustek, said that the next generation of Eee’s will not include a touchscreen option. Asus instead is tackling the issues of small panel size, longer battery life and shorter battery recharge times. To achieve some of these goals, a new elite level of Eee PCs will be added to the current line up.

Read more about this story