ASUS declares freeze on Android smartbook
updated 12:55 pm EDT, Tue August 25, 2009
No ASUS Android smartbook
ASUS is not actively developing an Android-based smartbook, the company's CEO informs. Although members of the company have expressed mild interest in smartbooks in the past, and displayed a prototype, Jerry Shen notes that he still does not see a "clear market" for the computers, which constitute a step below netbooks. Whereas netbooks operate on a standard Intel platform, smartbooks are dependent on processors meant for smartphones, which prevents them from running conventional desktop software.
Executives also explain that the company has limited engineering resources, for which ASUS has greater priorities. It is thought though that the company could eventually adapt smartbooks made by Pegatron, its manufacturing subsidiary. Systems built by Pegatron were recently on display at Computex, valued at approximately $199, at least $100 less than the price a new netbook.
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Joined: Aug 2009
Bad Move ASUS
Although members of the company have expressed mild interest in smartbooks in the past, and displayed a prototype, Jerry Shen notes that he still does not see a "clear market" for the computers, which constitute a step below netbooks.
Thats what people have said about previous innovations in technology and missed out on a giant push. Too bad because this could have made ASUS into even more of a household name. Thought you should look at http://www.smartbook.asia they have news on this too