14 DAY TRIAL // Well, with all the expected product releases, it looks like August will most likely prove to be one of the hottest months this summer. This time around, we are talking about Dell's upcoming netbook product, dubbed the Dell E, or the "Mini Inspiron." According to several sources, the netbook is expected to be launched in August, which, if true, could make us think that ASUS might have something to worry about once it happens.
Ever since Michael Dell first showcased the product to a more than lucky editor, people have been anxiously waiting for the Dell E to get the official treatment. Although that hasn't happened yet, rumors place the upcoming product as yet another Intel Atom-powered, low-cost notebook that is about to take on ASUS' Eee PC in the netbook segment of the market. Even more, the first photos of Dell's "Mini Inspiron" have already proven to be quite a hit with the public, as a number of users have expressed their intention of acquiring it upon release.
Turns out they won't have to wait that long: according to the "market sources" cited by Digitimes, users have to be patient only until August, when the new portable computer system will be made available. If that is not a surprise pleasant enough for you, then you should know that, per the same sources, the Dell E will be priced at $299, which is roughly with $100 less than any of the latest Eee PCs. By the looks of things, ASUS isn't the only one that might have reason to worry, as Acer's Aspire One and MSI's Wind are also priced higher than Dell's upcoming product. Expect some fierce competition come next month.
Despite all of the above, Dell is the only one that doesn't seem to be too confident in the 8.9-inch notebook, as the company is rumored to be ready to ship roughly 2-3 million units by the end of the year - whereas competitor ASUS still thinks it will be capable of selling around 5 million Eee PCs before the end of 2008. All that's left for us to do right now is to sit tight and wait for the "battle" in this yet emerging market to unfold.