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Printed On: | August 29, 2008, 3:06 am |
| Category: | Mobile Computing | |
| Type: | Events | |
| Posted By: | tUx | |
| Date Posted: | December 1, 2007, 2:22 pm |
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Introduction and press release
December 1, 2007 marks the launch of the long-awaited ASUS Eee PC in Singapore. The event was held at Singapore Expo, outside Hall 5 from 11am to 4pm.
Only limited quantities of the ASUS Eee PC, in both black and white colours, were available. It was sold at a very attractive price of $598 (incl. GST) for either colour, with the option of upgrading to Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition OEM for $99, and also the option to purchase Microsoft Office 2007 Home & Student Edition OEM for $199. A free Maxtor OneTouch 4 Mini 80GB 2.5-inch external hard disk was given to those who bought both options together with their Eee PC.
Response at the event was overwhelming, resulting in about 200 people returning home empty-handed as they were unable to get stock which was grabbed by others who were there earlier, with some arriving way before the event started.
Singapore, 28th November 2007
In bringing people together and connecting us to an inexhaustible resource of information, resources, and services, nothing comes close to the power of the computer and the Internet in empowering the individual. Yet, these benefits were not universally available in the past, mainly because many people found computers to be highly complex and difficult to use. For its rugged build, and unrivalled ease of use, the ASUS Eee PC shatters all former barriers of access, putting the immense resource of the Internet within the reach of everyone. By mere point-and-click, it is changing the way we work, live and play.
Essentially, the Eee PC is a highly portable notebook computer with a difference, to make a difference: it is more compact than most notebooks; eschewing hard drive for flash storage, it is more lightweight and rugged; and industry-standard connectivity, it is also low-cost.
Eee PC – A Name to Remember
The name Eee PC, according to Jonney Shih, ASUS CEO, comprises of three "easy" concepts: "Easy to learn, Easy to play and Easy to work." Shih also commented that while ASUS is constantly pushing back the boundaries of engineering, it is also adept when it comes to marketing names. "You all know the Wii, now here is the Eee," he said, likening it to the popular Nintendo Wii game console, which allows even beginners to pick up and play in a matter of minutes.
"In a world where we're more reliant on digital technology than ever, Intel is helping to bring technology and all its benefits to the next billion people. Intel, in collaboration with local leaders, is working to develop PCs to help people gain access and skills in Internet and communication technology", said Patrick Liew, Singapore country manager, Intel Technology Asia. "Working together with Asus and the Intel World Ahead Program, we are looking at connecting more communities with the Eee PC and reach out to new users who otherwise would not have purchased one."
"With relevant technology that is locally accessible, opportunities for sustained social and economic opportunity are greatly improved. The combination of the Asus Eee PC with Microsoft software will provide the optimal experience for customer user groups seeking to innovate to their full potential", said Benjamin Naden, Windows Client Group Manager, Microsoft Singapore Pte Ltd. "We are very excited to be partnering with Asus globally on Eee PC."
ASUS Singapore will be launching the Eee PC on the 1st Dec at the Singapore Expo, outside Hall 5 from 11am – 4pm with limited units on sale. Join us at the product launch of the long awaited ASUS Eee PC!
Here are some features of the Eee PC.
Excellent on-the-go
- 7-inch compact design that tips the scales at only 0.92kg for true mobility
- Durable, shock-proof solid-state disk design
Excellent Internet Experience
- Rich network and wireless connectivity
Excellent to work, play and learn
- Quick launcher and one click intuitive interface
- Graphic User Interface (GUI) and voice command for simplicity and ease-of-use
- Over 40 built-in applications for learning, work and play
Let us take a look at its specifications.
| Processor | Intel Celeron-M ULV 353 900MHz |
| Chipset | Mobile Intel 915GM Express |
| Memory | 512MB DDR2 (Upgradable to 2GB) |
| Audio | High-definition audio codec |
| Video | Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 900 |
| Wireless | Atheros 802.11b/g |
| LAN | Attansic 10/100Mbps |
| Storage | 4GB solid-state disk |
| Camera | 300k pixels with built-in microphone |
| Battery | 4-cell 5200mAh |
| Ports | VGA out, audio in/out, 3x USB 2.0, card reader (MMC/SD/SDHC/MS) |
| Dimensions | 9 x 6.5 x 1 (in inches), 0.92kg |
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The event
Members of the public try out the new Eee PC.
The Eee PC has a VGA output, as demoed aboved. With video out capabilities, it can be used as a very powerful yet ultra-portable presentation tool.
Throngs of people were in the ASUS Eee PC event tentage trying out the new Eee PCs set up for public use, way before the official launch timing of the PC.
Age is not a barrier when using the Eee PC. With the built-in system's unrivalled ease of use, everything is just a simple point-and-click.
One of the many happy faces in the queue. She had just won herself an Eee PC skin!
Quick reflexes together with some knowledge of the Eee PC, and you could find yourself getting a free Eee PC skin.
The snake-like queue at about 12pm. Note that the actual sales only begins at 2pm.
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Welcome speeches and Eee product briefing
Mr Joseph Hoo, country manager of ASUS giving his welcome speech.
Singapore country manager, Intel Technology Asia, Mr Patrick Liew giving his welcome speech after Mr Joseph Hoo.
Mr Benjamin Naden, Windows Client Group Manager, Microsoft Singapore Pte Ltd giving the final welcome speech.
There was a short product briefing of the ASUS Eee PC by Ms Bellen Tan, a marketing specialist from ASUS Technlogy Pte Ltd.
Later, both Bellen and Lance, who is also a marketing specialist, gave a short yet impressive demo of the abilities of the Asus Eee PC: work, surf the Internet, watch multimedia, and even play games.
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ASUS runway show
A short showcase of the Eee PC was presented after the welcome speeches and product demo, after which sales would commence officially.
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After the launch
Sales started immediately after the official launch, as more cartons of ASUS Eee PC were brought in. Even after Mr Hoo revealed that some quantities of black Eee PCs were available during the sales, most people in the queue still went for white colour.
About 300 Eee PCs were brought in for this event, but all were sold out before the event ended, resulting in about another 200 people not getting any Eee PC from the launch.
A happy owner of the ASUS Eee PC. He was the first to get the Eee PC, and he chose a white coloured set.
Mr Hoo interacting with the public, while he tries out one of the many Eee PCs available for trying at the booths.
Meanwhile, as the sales are going on, the children try their hand at colouring.
The winner of the colouring contest gets a $50 voucher. The works done by the children were all pinned up for public display.
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