Nine-Inched Eee PC With Touchscreen Features, In the Works

Asus has bombed us with details about its upcoming models of Eee PC since its first appearance on the market. Some other details emerging on the Web are simply news, others are as real as possible. A 10-inch version of the Eee PC might sound too good to be true, yet, Asustek confirmed that it is working on it during this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Moreover, the Taiwanese PC vendor has announced that larger versions ( 7-, 8-, and 8.9-inch models) are in the works.

The 10-inch version of the Eee PC failed to show up at the Consumer Electronics Show, as promised, but rumor has it that Asus is currently cooking a "Forgive us" gift in the shape of a 9-inched Asus Eee PC featuring tablet PC capabilities. Yes, you got it right, the 9-inch versions will feature four-wire resistive" touch-panels.

The rumors emerged from sources located within some touch panel and related component makers companies, and the first touch-resistive displays have already started sampling back at Asustek's headquarters. The Eee PC's touch screen will be built with the resistive technology, much cheaper (and low-performing) than the capacitive touch screens. According to the same sources the addition of a touch-screen to the Eee PC will add some extra $15 to the final bill of materials (BOM).

The list of panel partners that will supply Asustek with touch-sensitive panels has not been finalized yet, but Asus is alleged to favor the Taiwan-based manufacturers. According to industry sources, shipments of touch screen Eee PCs will only reach several hundred thousand units in 2008.

Asus estimates that it will ship the new configuration in about 4 to 5 million units during 2008. Let's hope that the extra $15 to the final price will not be a problem for the bargain-hunters.