Asus today showed off a new Microsoft Windows 7-powered tablet device that will enter an already crowded market led by the Apple iPad.
The Asus Eee Pad will fully support Adobe Flash, include a built-in camera, touchscreen, and 10 hours of battery life. Asus is expected to release both 10-inch (EP101TC) and 12-inch (EP121) models of the Eee Pad, with the 10-inch model running Windows Embedded Compact 7 software in a smaller form factor.
The EP121 is 0.48-inches thick and weighs just 23 ounces, Asus announced in a press statement.
Asus didn't release pricing information, but unconfirmed reports indicate the 10-inch model will be available for $399 to $499, while the 12-inch model will start at $499. It'd make sense for the 12-inch model to be around $499. The release date for either model hasn't been unveiled, although they're both expected in late 2010 or early 2011.
Asus has had great success with its Eee PC netbook product lineup, and will look to translate that success into the tablet market.
During the Computex computer show this week in Taipei, tablets and e-readers are expected to be popular gadgets showcased throughout the event. MSI will also show off a 10-inch WindPad 100 Windows 7-powered tablet that will retail for $499. The device will have a 1.6Ghz Intel Atom processor, 2GB Ram, and a 32GB SSD HDD.
Apple may have caused the mainstream consumer attention on the tablet market with its iPad, but it's good to see so many other manufacturers preparing to launch rival tablets. Even though the iPad has had good sales numbers, the lack of Flash and some other key features has led some consumers to look for alternatives.
