14 DAY TRIAL // ASUSTeK Computer is reportedly planning to further expand its Eee PC family with the introduction of a new 11.6-inch model, slated to debut later this month. In addition, the company will also jump on the CULV bandwagon with the launch of a couple of ultraportable systems, which will become available in 13.3-inch, 14-inch and 15.6-inch form factors. These new systems are expected to make their debut later in July, after the Computer show in Taipei, Taiwan.
According to a recent news-article on Digitimes, ASUS CEO Jerry Shen laid out the company's plans to launch a new Eee PC netbook, which would boast an 11.6-inch form factor. The launch of the new system will not see ASUS immediately shift to the new form factor, as the company expects its 10-inch netbooks to account for the majority of the shipments this year. According to Jerry Shen, the 10-inch netbooks will account for approximately 50% of total shipments in 2009, while the 11.6-inch models will account for only 30%.
In addition to its plans for the netbook business, ASUS also intends to enter the market for CULV-based laptops, with the launch of a new 15.6-inch mid-range to high-end ultrathin notebook dubbed XS15. According to Digitimes, this model will be priced between 799 and 999 Euros (US$1063-1330) and will likely compete with similar offers from MSI and Acer. In addition to XS15, ASUS will also launch a 13-inch model, which will be priced at 599-699 Euros and slated for a July debut. The company plans to launch a 14-inch model as well, as part of its upcoming CULV-based notebook lineup.
ASUS' CEO also talked about the ongoing panel shortage, which is expected to continue throughout May and June. This will likely affect notebook shipments of all major systems vendors, including ASUS.