Asus to Expand “Eee” Name to Full Product Line

By Michael Santo
Executive Editor, RealTechNews

No one can dispute the Asus Eee is a great success, with a second-gen version already announced. So why not bank on the product name and branding? That’s what Asus aims to do, as they have announced expansion of the branding to a full product line.

Here’s what will be coming later this year:

• The E-DT, a desktop PC: Expected to ship in the April / May timeframe. The first generation will sport an Intel Celerton but will move to Intel’s Shelton platform with Diamondville CPUs later. They are hoping for as a price point of as low as $199 (sans monitor).

• The E-Monitor, an all-in-one PC like Dell’s XPS One (and of course, the iMac): To me the name is a bit confusing, as it sounds like … well, a monitor. Screen sizes of 19″ - 21″ and a $499 price point? It’s hard to scare Apple or Dell, but this just might. Expect a September ship date and the Shelton platform.

• The E-TV, an LCD TV line. Expected to be in the 42″ and greater LCD TV market, this will have Linux-based PC functionality built-in. Asus wants to price the sets at around $200 more than a standard LCD TV in the same class. This is also expected to launch in September.

The desktop and all-in-one PCs I agree with, but a TV (granted a TV with PC functionality)?

We Say: I understand the branding is hot right now, but let’s not overly dilute the Eee name, eh? Anyone remember what happened when “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” showed up 7 nights a week? Right.