Asus announces iPad competitor: Eee Pad
Perhaps the biggest thing to come out of the 2010 Computex in Taipei this year is Asus Eee Pad tablet PC. Despite attempting to compete with the Apple iPad, the handheld laptop device by Asus makes use of the Windows 7 operating system featuring an Intel CULV processor.
The device comes in two sizes, a 12-inch device with Core 2 Duo CPU, which runs Windows 7 Home Premium. The tablet can function as is, a touchscreen slate or can be plugged into keyboard docking station to function as a notebook. Like the 10-inch device, it has a supposed 10-hour battery life. The operating system though has not been adjusted for the slate which could have come with some mobile functions.
Yet, the 10-inch Eee Pad is replete with an adaptation. It sports the Windows Embedded Compact 7 which is, according to TechRadar.com, a smart, touch-based solution for the standard Windows desktop OS.
Along with the Eee Pad, Asus are soon to be launching a Windows-friendly app store with a range of EeePad products. The devices also come with keyboard and docking station which is a nice touch allowing PC fans to use the portable device as a notebook, which is also great for Skype-ing given it’s built-in webcam.
The Asus Eee Pad is retailing in the US at between $399 and $499.