Netbooks News, Hacks and HowTo’s

When the first editions of Asus Eee PC was introduced in the Philippines, retailers were somehow too greedy of their prices. From $425, it can go as high as $500 for 4G surf version in different stores. That’s around Php 17,000 to Php 20,000 with the current rate conversion.

Now that the Eee PC 900 is getting closer, prices of the first generation Asus Eee starts to drop as well. According to a thread in EeePH, an Asus Eee community in the Philippines, prices can now go as low as Php 16,000 for 4G and Php 21,000 for the 8G.

Via asuseeehacks

First Tier Branding Solutions Inc. is holding a Press Launch of Asus Eee PC 900 in the Phlippines on May 12 at the Makati Shangri-la Hotel. I just got an invite, and I am a little excited to come to the event. Some high-profiled Pro Bloggers in the Philippines will be there as well. I wonder if I can socialize with them?

On other news, the Asus Eee PC 900 that used to sell at Php 33,900+ is now down at Php 28,999. Although the suggested retail price from Asus Philippines is Php 24, 995.

Before Asus EEE PC 900 landed in Hong Kong, a number of customers were already lined up and after some hours, the 1,000+ units were already sold out.

It was also reported that the Eee PC 900 also went on sale online at Yahoo in Hong Kong, and sold out as well. Source: PC World

Wow! That’s faster than selling hotcakes at the roadside, isn’t it? This could be record-breaking again. Will this hit in UK and US as well when it ships in May?

Via liliputing

On the other hand, it seems like not in every country it will be a hit. In the Philippines, a retailer has already announced their pricing and most comments are not in favor since it’s too high for an ultraportable laptop. A soaring $800 USD for EEE PC 900 is not reasonable even if it ships to your door.

Digitimes Displays News reported Asus Eee PC to boost touch panel demand in 2nd half of 2008, as well as other low-cost notebooks.

“Low-cost notebooks, such as Asustek Computer’s Eee PC, are expected to boost demand for medium-size touch panels in the second half of the year, as adoption of touch panels by these systems will grow fast, according to industry players and observers.” - Source

While it’s going to be cool, people might probably think that this is another rumor only and would not believe until it becomes real. Like the Eee PC 900, which was rumored to have touchscreen feature but has come out with none.

Brad of Liliputing said that there’s no use of adding touchscreen to Eee PC unless it gets redesigned like other UMPCs.

“Honestly, I don’t see the point in adding a touchscreen to the Eee PC unless you redesign the laptop display so that it can fold over into tablet mode.” - Brad Linder

That’s one good point.

Ade of My Asus Eee PC has reported recently that the Eee PC 900 is now available in the Philippine market. However, it was priced far over its target cost. AsusTek should act on this since it $800 for this ultraportable laptop could probably discourage buyers and opt them to find another product. The $200 difference is just too high and unreasonable.

Aw come on, the Eee 900 goes for only $600. And they were selling it for $800. That is too much of a price increase here. And I know that that some retailers are actually selling their products here at a premium, but I’m hoping that other retailers don’t follow suit. I mean, a $800 EeePC totally defeats the original purpose, right? - Ade

If there’s one thing that Asus Eee PC lacks, it’s probably the bluetooth. Good news! The next generation of Asus Eee PC has bluetooth inside. FCC has the pictures submitted by Asus. You can check out the gallery on Engadget for better viewing. Coolness, it’s always a big factor.

Via EeeSite.net

You think this new version of Asus Eee PC will break the Asus Eee PC’s record? Looks like it. Check out some future information on Eeesite.