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Asus UK refocusing Eee PC line-up to just 3 netbooks by July

May 15, 2009 at 6:41 pm


Asus UKWe have often lamented the sheer number of different Eee PC netbooks that Asus offers, complete with confusing naming structure. It becomes difficult from a marketing point of view given the confusion it causes to the public and it can even end up diluting the brand. It seems that Asus UK agrees, it will be offering just three Eee PC netbooks to the general public come July according to Reg Hardware.

Asus’ John Swatton told them that only the 1008HA Seashell, the 1005HA (which was only announced today) and an as yet unnamed model will complete the UK line up. It does beg the question, what happens to the Eee PC T91 net tablet? According to Swatton, the 7-inch and 9-inch models will be reserved for sales to schools and other large organisations. Somehow, I find that hard to believe, especially given the amount of interest surrounding this particular 9-inch convertible tablet. Will Asus really restrict the sale of the T91 to the public? It seems a very odd move if true.

Only 10-inch models will be offered to the general public, all with Windows XP and 160GB hard drives. Swatton confirmed that sales of the 100HA Seashell have already sold out, but more units are on their way. The battery will come with a full 12-month collect-and-return warranty.

Many have criticised the fact that the 1008HA comes with a sealed battery, to address this, Asus will be introducing the 1005HA which will have a removable battery. The 1005HA will be entering the UK at a price point at around £350, which is £30 cheaper than the 1008HA Seashell. At this point it is unknown whether both SKUs of the 1005HA (1005HA-H and 1005HA-M) will be offered or just one of them. The best-selling Eee PC 1000HE will be making way for the 1005HA’s arrival.

Little information was given on the new model. Apparently it will come at a similar price point to the Eee PC 1000H and will be the entry level Eee PC netbook.

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