Asustek Computer executives announced the company will offer a lower number of Eee PC netbooks in 2009, in an attempt to keep things simpler for consumers after a rather confusing 2008.
Asus helped create the netbook craze with its Eee PC, and ended up releasing more than 20 different models in 2008, with the products having similar confusing names and similar hardware configurations.
The company planned to sell 5 million units in 2008, and fell short by about 100,000, selling 4.9 million Eee PCs. Even though there was a slew of different Eee PCs, the Acer Aspire One netbook shipped more units than Asus did, even though Asus was first to the market.
Analysts believe Acer was able to sell almost six million Aspire One netbooks because of the low cost, simplicity, and global launch of a single product that didn't confuse potential shoppers. Customers had the option of changing hardware configurations and software packages once they decided upon the Aspire One.
I haven't had too many complaints about my Asus Eee PC, which is the 1000HA... I think. But trying to do research into which model I should purchase was rather confusing, even though I spend a decent amount of time reading press releases and familiarizing myself with netbook products.
Hopefully Asus is able to simplify its Eee PC line so prices are driven down lower and there is less confusion among shoppers looking for a new netbook.
