According to a recent announcement, netbook pioneer ASUS is expected to reduce the number of netbook systems, part of the company's extensive Eee PC family. The netbook maker, which had released over 20 models, part of its Eee PC-branded netbook range, said that the move would allow the company to lower costs and reduce confusion among customers, who have been provided with a considerable number of configuration options and designs.

ASUS' plan of releasing more netbook models has somewhat backfired, as the company wasn't able to fight off competition, like Acer, which last year released just one netbook model, the highly popular Aspire One. Consequently, ASUS has just announced that it shipped 4.9 million Eee PC models last year, a figure that will likely fall behind that of Acer, which projected six million units.

Acer debuted on the netbook market later than ASUS, which in early 2008 already had an Eee PC netbooks for sale. However, the company appears to have adopted a more profitable marketing plan, by releasing only a single 8.9-inch netbook system, dubbed Aspire One, which has successfully caught the attention of a considerable number of netbook fans. According to estimations, Acer topped the netbook market in 2008 with its single netbook model, with the company expected to continue its market leadership in 2009.

Apparently ASUS has learned from past experience as the company plans to considerably reduce the number of Eee PC netbook models it will release this year, in an attempt to reduce costs and enable users to take advantage of a more straightforward netbook offering. Following the new strategy, ASUS expects that it will be more competitive in its attempt to overtop Acer in terms of netbook sales.

It is expected that this year netbooks will become more affordable, thanks to new technologies, but also provide users with a bunch of new features.