Asus iPad Killer A Long Ways Off, Say Critics

PC maker Asustek ("Asus") Computer is getting ready to release its competitors for the very popular Applie iPad. Two will run Windows 7, while a third will back the Google Android operating system (OS).

Reports say the Asus tablets will ship between the end of the year and sometime next spring -- dates some critics consider far too late.

Windows 7 Asus Tablet Offers High Power, Price

The most elaborate of the Asus devices is the Eee Pad EP121, which is set to target professionals with a 12-inch touch screen and powerful Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

Early estimates suggest it will retail for about $1,000, putting it well out of the iPad user's price market. Asustek CEO Jerry Shen said this very powerful product should be ready by early 2011. (Source: lanewsmonitor.com)

A second tablet running Windows Embedded Compact 7 will use a slightly smaller 10-inch screen and ARM architecture-based processor. This device will target the iPad crowd with a $399 to $499 price range, but little else is known about its specifications, making it hard to judge just how well it will compete with Apple's slick offering.

The final and arguably most impressive Asus Eee Pad is one set for a late February or March 2011 release. It uses the Google Android platform, not Windows 7, and is expected to offer comparable features to the iPad at a low cost (probably around $399).

Cost Versus Timing

"If you want to compete with the iPad, you have to do more than just be less expensive," said Shen at a recent press conference. "You have to offer more features. We want to spend more time perfecting the [Eee Pad] before we launch. We are looking more at Q1 to launch the devices."

Unfortunately, many critics feel Asus' products will suffer because of the delayed ship dates. The Windows 7-powered devices are not only pricey, but appear destined for a post-holiday season releases, meaning few techies will have much cash left around to use gobbling up new hardware. (Source: pcworld.com)

Worse yet, Asus won't have a competitor for the iPad until a year after Apple released its product, meaning that Apple could either cut the price of its device or ship a whole new, updated version just as Asus is launching the Eee Pad.