Asus Plans to Sell $200 Netbooks

Asus is not content with being the market leader in netbooks, the latest news from Asustek is that they’ll release $200 netbooks next year.  Considering their current pricing, this is not impossible.  Some Asus Eee models are now in the $300 to $400 price range and with current technology getting cheaper, and newer technology slowly replacing what’s out in the market, Asus (and other netbook manufacturers) should be able to make computers with the same functionality and features at a lower price.

Other developments from the Taiwanese computer maker include the phase out of 7- and 8.9-inch  Eee PCs to be replaced by 10-inch models.  This may or may not be a consolidation of product line for a cheaper manufacturing process or inventory controls.  It can just be that they’re selling more 10-inch models than the 7- and 8.9-inch netbooks.

Asus plans to have a 30% market share in the ultra mini-PC market.  This translates to sales targets of between 6 million to 7.5 million units next year.  Asus shipped 1.7 million units this past quarter and hopes to ship a total of 5 million units for the year.

The ultra-mini PC is a thriving market with the highest growth rate among PC market segments.  And Asus has shown that this could be a viable market, and not just a niche or boutique market.

There are other players in the netbook market, which include Dell and HP.  About seven years ago, Fujitsu was selling a mini-notebook for $1,500.  For one reason or another, Fujitsu did not deem it the proper time to continue that series.  At $1,500, there wouldn’t be too many buyers for the sub-notebook.  But a $200 Asus Eee would be very viable.