Netbook Update: Another New ASUS Eee PC

Asustek Computer is busting out new models. The 1002HA, which we covered in our November 24th article, is not the only new netbook release to grace the shelves of stores in the new future: ASUS has announced another frighteningly cheap netbook, sure to take a massive slice of the consumer pie in the near future.

The new Eee PC, which has been available in Taipei under the name ‘Surf’, should cost a slim $200. It will be available in the US in the first quarter of next year.

This low-cost version of the immensely popular Eee PC that started the netbook craze shows ASUS is going back to roots – not a bad idea, considering the buzz they got going early in the history of netbooks.

The ‘Surf’ netbook has a small 7-inch LCD screen, an Intel Celeron M processor, and ran an operating system from Linux. Other more expensive Eee PCs have perhaps overshadowed this little guy, but analysts expect US consumers to devour it with fervor.

Other Eee PCs with 9 or 10 inch screens running the Intel Atom are the norm these days, but cost far more – perhaps even doubling the cost of this cheap new netbook. While 7-inch netbooks are is a swiftly decreasing section of the market, hopes are high for the new Eee PC.

It is doubtful whether the International Consumer Electronics Show in LA will even feature the Eee PC, so for now all we’ve got is speculation. Come first quarter next year, however, all our questions will be answered.

Happy Black Friday and tune in here soon for daily netbook news.