Asus to launch desktop Eee PC next year
Laptop replacement?
Asustek is developing a desktop version of its ultra-compact Linux-based laptop, the Eee PC, the company's marketing chief has said. It wants to get the mini machine into shops sometime next year.
Jonathan Tseng, Asus' President of Marketing, told Taiwanese site Digitimes that the desktop will not incorporate a display. So anyone anticipating an even smaller iMac-alike than ones we've seen to date will be disappointed.

Asus' Eee PC and pal: desktop model next year
Instead, it's not hard to imagine a compact block hooked up to a standard monitor - the Eee PC laptop already has a VGA port - and USB-connected keyboard and mouse.
While there's no doubt desktops are far less fashionable than they once were, not least thanks to falling laptop prices and the way notebook industrial design has eclipsed its desktop counterpart, small systems like Shuttle's XPC M200 - reviewed here - Apple's Mac Mini and AOpen's Mini PC are winning support from consumers who want a desktop machine but don't need the expansion capacity of a tower unit.
All these machines are essentially laptops compressed into tiny desktop units, so it's not hard to envisage Asus doing the same thing with the Eee PC's internals.
COMMENTS
@ Joe Stalin
got one if u REEEAAALLLYYYY want one ... lol
/coat
Just like a...
If they use the laptop unit without the display paint it black and you could pretend you have your old ZX Spectrum.
eeePC Laptop...
Got one of these, and it's nice. Keyboard's not the greatest, and I suspect that the rumoured 10.2" screen version would be better still in the usability stakes, but for 180 odd quid, it's a superb device for a small bag or largish coat pocket.
Already had it up and running with XP and a external keyboard/mouse/screen, and it's a great alternative to a slimclient plus a PDA. Startup time is not bad either. Recommended.
I take it a RegHardware review is in the offing,especially as it'd give the team a chance to run *that* photo again
Any excuse...
...for your editors to stick that piccy in a story.
Next week: Asus 'to continue manufacturing products' ;-)
Still the bird
... coming with the Acer ?? - Get me one !!
