No More 8.9-inch Netbooks From Asus
If you’ve been eyeing that 8.9-inch Eee PC, it might be time to consider picking one up while they’re still around.
According t
o Digitimes, Asus will completely phase out its 8.9-inch netbooks by sometime later this year.
Asus Asia-Pacific president Benson Lin said that 10-inch models are becoming the “mainstream specification.” It’s unclear if that comment was made in reaction to sales statistics from 2008, or if it’s something determined by Asus’ marketing department.
At any rate, 10-inch models will account for 95 percent of Eee PC shipments with the remaining 5 percent being 7-inch models for telecom service operators.
While we do have an overwhelming preference for the 10-inch netbooks, (us being writers who really do appreciate that 92 percent sized keyboard), it’s hard to imagine there not being a more significant market for those who are willing to sacrifice typing comfort for a more portable form factor.
Tell us in the comments which netbook size you prefer and why.
Acer will probably continue making those netbooks of theirs that have been selling so well.
Asus claimed it will release the T91 just a couple of months ago, and the 901 series eeepc's are bestsellers, sell more than the 10" versions!
A 10" notebook may fit a near to full sized keyboard, but it is also a near sized laptop!
The resolution of this device is the same as on the 9" version,
yet the performance and battery life is lower!
The 9" version is still the sweet spot to me!
Their previous 7" versions where a bit too small.
On another note, a member of my family got a small netbook that had a 5" screen, 20gb HDD, and some pretty powerful internal components. Got it from Hong Kong seven years ago.
I personally would rather have a slightly larger screen and the ability to actually type on a properly sized keyboard. Otherwise I'm wasting my time getting a netbook and should just use a smartphone or a wifi capable device like a PSP, because I think it's ridiculous to have something that's larger than those devices yet lacks some of the biggest advantages of a laptop.
Many seem to like the 10", but if you're getting a netbook that size/cost, then may as well get a real notebook.
Hopefully the GN40/Pineview or the Ion/Atom(or Nano) is a step in the right direction for cheap, efficient, and ultra-portable computing.
Asus seems to think the cheap, small, portable One Laptop Per Child idea is dead.
i.e. If it doesn't have notebook performace - screen - keyboard, then may as well fit in my pocket.
I just personally think the 10" netbooks just cost too much and moves the new EeePCs too close to notebook territory. So it's losing its charm as an ultra cheap Internet only device.
But yes, agree, netbooks are the best if you must spend less than $500 and must have 10".
I also don't like the Atom CPUs until they're used in pocket devices (but that's a different story).
Netbooks are popular for the reasons they are small and easy to use for simple stuff. They know they can't depend on netbooks for heavy stuff like Photoshop. They just want something simple and easy enough to use and not having to deal with smartphone PDAs.
Is A FULL SIZED KEYBOARD.
MY HANDS - LARGE - TYPING_IS_A_BITCH_AGH
Anyways,as you can tell from above,having very large hands are a PITA on tiny form factor laptops - netbooks.I hope to actually see an Nvidia Ion with a 12" or larger screen that has a full sized QWERTY,even if it sacrifices a few other keys.
This makes me wonder why it's it's not possible to get a 10" notebook at ANY price.
But have you tried wireless laser mice -- specifically an MS Desktop 6000 version? Very sweet, very precise.
Also, did you get the HP netbook with Vista Business installed? I've been contemplating that one... but I saw it with the VIA CPU, gahhh!
You're doing what I would by using an external kb & monitor at home (and, I presume, the BT mouse?) Take care!
Faux Molder (just a half-year over 45)