Asustek's Eee PC will powered by Menlow - report

A CHINESE REPORT says Asustek's low-cost Eee PC will be built around Intel's next-generation Centrino platform, Menlow.

Digitimes hacks that can read Chinese say the Commercial Times says that the device will launch in the second quarter of 2008.

Intel aims to get Menlow out of the door in the first half of 2008. It includes a new 45nm Hi-k processor, codenamed "Silverthorne", and the Poulsbo chipset.

Asustek caused a stir by showing off a prototype Eee PC at Computex earlier this year. It failed to mention then that it was miles away from production though the Asus boss did get excited and draw applause from the crowd when he said it'd cost $199.

We wonder if he'll stick to that price by the time it comes to launch the thing.

Neither Asus nor Intel would tell us what chip might be in the beast at the time.

The report says Asus aims to ship 3-5 million Eee PCs in 2008. It is also said to be preparing a nine-inch model to add to the seven and eight-inch models already announced. µ

L'INQ
Digitimes