The Eee Goes Big: Asustek to Announce 42-inch Eee TV

Asustek decided that the ultra-mobile Eee PC is not enough to take a good grip at the computer market. Since the majority of the computer vendors are sticking with their obsession of launching perfect clones of Asustek's small and appealing devices, the Taiwanese manufacturer thought it's time to break the pattern.

Asus has announced yet some more Eee-based devices that will really invade users' living rooms. The company is planning to release some new and interesting Eee derivatives, including the E-DT desktop computer, the E-TV and the E-Monitor. According to Jerry Shen, Asustek president, all the products will feature the same low prices that turned the Eee PC into a bestseller.

The E-DT is a desktop PC system that will come without a recommended monitor. It is slated for unveiling in April or May, but it may be admired during this year's CeBIT show. The E-DT will be powered by an Intel Celeron processor, that will be replaced later by Intel's Shelton'08 platform (comprised of the Diamondville CPU and the 945GC chipset). The initial selling price will vary around $200-300, but, as the production ramps up, Asustek hopes to cut it down to $199.

Those who would like a display to go along with the E-DT might opt for another new product, the E-Monitor. It is designed just like Apple's iMac or Dell's XPS One. It will feature sizes between 19 and 21 inches and will come with a built-in TV tuner. It will sell for $499 and will be built using the same Intel Shelton'08 platform. The monitor will be launched in September this year.

Last, but not least, Asustek will release the 42-inch LCD TV that will integrate the Linux-based PC functionality of other Eee PC products. It is alleged to cost $200, which is a little more than the other LCD products in the class.