Asus preparing to launch at least 2 tablets running Google and Microsoft OSs
We first heard that Asus was developing an Eee Pad tablet MID last December, with additional rumors stating it would use nVidia's next-gen Tegra 250 chipset and be unveiled at Computex 2010 in June.
In a recent interview with Forbes, Asus Chairman Jonney Shih stated the company will release "at least two" tablet PCs in the coming months, with one model likely to run Google software, probably either Android or the upcoming Chrome OS, and another model running an unspecified version of Windows. This multi-branched approach is aimed at differentiating Asus' products in the increasingly crowded market and appealing to consumers who have different needs. Mr. Shih also spoke of how the devices would emphasize multimedia capabilities and how "content will play a very important role in tablets."
As I've said previously, it should be very interesting to see how the pioneer of the netbook tackles the tablet segment and I look forward to seeing their products, which should offer a compelling mix of features, performance, and value. But I'm also wondering whether the company will be able to get the content deals in place for their products as well as rivals like Apple. As for when we can expect to see the Asus tablets, the Computex launch rumor may very well still prove to be true as Asus has a history of unveiling major products at the show.
It's also interesting to see Shih's comments on the relative positions of netbooks and tablets in the Forbes article. Where Steve Jobs has written off netbooks as the interim device between smartphones and laptops to champion the iPad, Jonney Shih believes there is room in the market for tablets between smartphones and netbooks, reiterating his company's commitment to the low-cost computers.
What are your thoughts on how the jigsaw of devices will pan out? Will tablets replace netbooks? Or can they coexist?
[Techspot]
