Asus set to debut cheap laptops, targeting children and women

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

A new line of low-cost mini laptop is set to hit the Indonesian market with Asus Technology Indonesia planning to introduce the Eee PC 701 next January at the latest.

Asus Indonesia account specialist Susan Handali said the 22.5 x 16.5 centimeter laptop, which has a 7-inch screen, would cost only around Rp 3.5 million (US$380) in Indonesia.

"The price here is higher due to shipment and tax processes that we have to go through," said senior marketing manager Juliana Cen, adding that the price tag in Indonesia was still pretty affordable.

Asus's parent company in Taiwan launched the Eee PC 701 last month in Taipei, with a retail price as low as US$245.

The laptop is also equipped with WiFi connectability, web camera and an integrated stereo speaker and microphone. Susan said children and women would be the biggest target markets for the simple and compact laptop.

"Purchasers will be able to easily bring the Eee PC 701 wherever they go and enjoy mobile computing as the laptop is complemented by a wireless connection," she said, adding that the laptop is lighter than a Harry Potter novel.

"The laptop is also shock-proof, so it's OK for use by children," she said, while displayed some educational games programmed in the laptop.

The Eee PC 701 uses an Intel mobile processor and carries free, open source Linux software.

"Although Eee PC uses the Linux operating system, it is also compatible with Windows XP," said Asus country manager Willy Halim, adding that users could employ an external optical drive if they wanted to install Windows.

As to why gadget enthusiasts in Indonesia will have to wait until early next year: "The limited production capacity in Taiwan has forced us to wait before making the laptop available in Indonesia," said Asus country manager Willy Halim.

He said the first production run in Taiwan consisted of 300,000 units, and that the company had been flooded with orders from buyers in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Australia.

"There will be a special price for educational institutions or organizations that order in a large quantities," he added. (ind)