ASUS EeePad Appearing in June, Retail in July

SlashGear has learned that the official reveal of the ASUS EeePad will take place during Computex 2010 this June (1-5), confirmed by ASUS chairman Jerry Shen during a conference in Taiwan. Shen said the device was currently being tweaked to better compete with the Apple iPad, and has already undergone a less-blocky redesign. Google is also said to be lending a hand on fine-tuning the Android OS for the tablet before its release.

Component makers are indicating that the device will hit the market in Q3 2010, perhaps by the end of July. There's also some speculation as to how much this new tablet will cost. DigiTimes reports that sources are estimating the pricetag to range from $479 to $510 USD after bundling it with 3G service. Total shipments are expected to reach 300,000 units during 2010. In contrast, Apple sold over 300,000 iPad units in just one day.

While the pricing is on the same level as the iPad (Wi-Fi only, 16 GB model), the Tegra-based ASUS device will be less restricted than the rival tablet, offering Adobe Flash, an integrated front camera, and even USB connectivity. Electronista said that Shen didn't specify as to what version of Flash will be on the tablet, whether it's the new 10.1 or the limited Flash Lite.

Expect more details to surface at the beginning of June.

  • N.Broekhuijsen
    let it have x86 support, and let us be able to install an OS ourselves, and we will all be very, very happy!
    Reply
  • bourgeoisdude
    Not that interested. The HP Slate is interesting as it runs Windows 7 (how many "apps" does Windows have?), but at least this one plays flash content.
    Reply
  • miloo
    looks like tablet ~
    Reply
  • pharge
    bourgeoisdudeNot that interested. The HP Slate is interesting as it runs Windows 7 (how many "apps" does Windows have?), but at least this one plays flash content.
    Na... For this kind of device, I will like Android better, unless it is in Win mobile 7. This kind of device just dose not have the power to make the win7 shine. Since HP slate only come w/ the Atom. Unless you are happy with the netbook level performance which I am not.... I will prefer a HP slate w/ Android.
    Reply
  • sliem
    flash support: win
    camera: win
    usb connectivity: win
    not made by apple: win

    So far so good. What about the battery?
    Reply
  • Zoonie
    3 things are really important in a tablet.
    Battery time, Weight and Heat production. None are mentioned here.
    Reply
  • JohnnyLucky
    Looking at the porjected sales forecast it doesn't not look like Asus will be able to compete with Apple.
    Reply
  • gsacks
    Is that picture a mock-up or is that what it really looks like? Because that looks pretty butt-ugly.
    Reply
  • littlec
    Zoonie3 things are really important in a tablet.Battery time, Weight and Heat production. None are mentioned here.
    Couldn't agree more butat the moment it is apparent that they are still putting the final touches on it and such specs are probably not available at this point.
    Reply
  • mp562
    sliemflash support: wincamera: winusb connectivity: winnot made by apple: winSo far so good. What about the battery?Battery - not made by apple: win !!!
    Reply