November 14, 2007 9:44 AM PST

Asus: 10-inch Eee PC due next year

Font size
Print
E-mail
Share
3 comments

(Credit: CNET Networks)

When we reviewed the Asus Eee PC 4G a couple of weeks ago, our chief complaints about this otherwise excellent and affordable laptop concerned its small, low-resolution display, the minuscule hard drive, and a cramped keyboard. The 7-inch screen with 800x480 resolution necessitates horizontal scrolling on most Web pages. The 4GB flash drive (of which only 1.3GB is available) necessitates keeping an external drive on hand. The tiny keys necessitate adjusting your typing style or suffering more than the occasional typo. Now, it looks like next year's model will address two of our three gripes.

A German representative for Asus stated recently (in German) that the company plans to release a 10-inch, 8GB model next year. It'll reportedly use the same chassis as the current model, however, which offers no relief for the fat-fingered among us. I'd happily trade the thick screen bezel on the current model, however, for 3 more inches of display while remaining at or near the trim 2-pound weight. I bet others would, too.

It's curious that Asus would make this announcement so soon after the Eee PC's initial release. Why give people a reason not to buy the 7-inch model? How about you, dear Crave reader: Would you postpone purchase plans for a 7-inch Eee PC for the promise of a larger screen next year? And, would you wait for the 8GB hard drive to get added to the 7-inch model? While we're on the topic, any interest in the rumored Eee desktop?

[Via I4U News]

Matt Elliott, a CNET editor since 2000, heads up coverage of computer hardware, from desktops and laptops to their assorted components and peripherals. Prior to joining CNET, he worked for PC Magazine. When not writing about computers and wrestling with their shipping boxes, he likes shooting with his Nikon D50 camera. Matt is also skilled with a tape gun. E-mail Matt.