14 DAY TRIAL // With the recent popularity gain achieved by tablets and entry level ultra-portable laptops, notebooks don't seem to have a chance, but this isn't what Asus thinks as the company plans to launch three or four new devices during 2011, not including upgraded models.
According to Asustek's Eee PC Business General Manager Samson Hu, cited by DigiTimes, the company expects its entry-level price point to remain at $399 US with mid-range models at $499 US and high-end models at a rather pricey $599 US.
Asus has recently launched a new netbook in Taiwan, the Eee PC 1015PW, that targets the boutique market and retails for $15,900 NT (about $548 US).
In addition, sometime during March, the company plans to introduce yet another model which will feature a similar design to that of the Eee PC 1015PW, although it packs an upgraded processor.
Details about the third model to be launched are not known at this time, but considering the fact that its first two 2011 notebooks are scheduled to arrive in Q1, the remaining device (or devices) should be introduced during Q3 or Q4 2011.
Most notebooks are sold in emerging markets such as Indonesia, Brazil and the Middle-East, the strong demand witnessed in these regions making up for the weak sales registered in other parts of the world.
Furthermore, Asus is so confident in its netbook business that it expects to ship at least six million units in 2011, accounting for 20% of the global market.
Asus was the first company to develop a netbook when the company introduced the original 7-inch Eee PC in 2007.
Other manufacturers soon followed as the devices became more and more popular.
However, the reign was short lived, as their slow performance and the introduction of Apple's iPad put a dent in sales numbers and desirability.