ASUS is one of the most recognizable brands in the computer industry, as the Taiwanese company has managed to make a name for itself in both the hardware component segment as well as in the market for portable or desktop computer systems. With successful product lines, such as the famous Eee PC, the company is looking at a bright future and plans on expanding its portfolio with the introduction of new products that are based on the latest technologies. Such is the case with an upcoming ASUS Smartbook, which will reportedly be launched in the first quarter of 2010 and will provide users with a choice for a more affordable, portable computer system, when compared to current netbook solutions.

 

The news is rather interesting, especially considering the comments made by Jerry Shen, ASUS's CEO, who said, earlier this year, that he didn't “see a clear market for smartbooks,” pointing out that his company had no immediate plans for releasing such a device. However, it appears that ASUS has reconsidered its position and is currently looking to enter a fresh new market, namely that of smartbooks, which are currently considered a cheaper alternative to Windows and Intel-powered netbooks.

 

Although no specific details have been made available on the technical specifications of said device, it's interesting to note that the company considers its first smartbook a “secret weapon” that reportedly has the marketing potential to achieve an “Eee PC-like peak.” That said, ASUS clearly believes that the upcoming smartbook will become as popular as the aforementioned Eee PC netbook series, which are regarded as one of the main reasons the netbook market has seen this impressive and quick growth.

 

Q1 2010 should be an interesting period, as a number of PC vendors are expected to update their portfolios with new products, which will most likely be launched at one of the two consumer electronics and computer shows, CES and CeBIT. As far as ASUS' own smartbook is concerned, the Taiwanese company is planning to roll out a product that can be sold for about US$184, according to available details.