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ASUS preps $500 'iMac killer' Eee PC all-in-one desktop

electronista.com — ASUS is expanding its Eee PC line to include not one but multiple extra models, including the E-Monitor: a 19- to 21-inch all-in-one desktop with a low-cost Intel CPU, Linux, a TV tuner... and a $500 price tag.

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  • gnoshme, on 01/31/2008, -66/+47Knowing Asus this $500 machine will cost $800.
    • PixelD, on 01/31/2008, -15/+44Why is this being dugg down? Its true, the EEE was first claimed to be $200 when announced. We all know how that turned out.
      • JAVandiver, on 01/31/2008, -5/+24The value of the dollar has diminished. I can remember the average generic 32" 720p LCD TV being around US$500, now it is closer to US$600. What really pisses me off is that I cannot buy AsusTek stock on any of the US markets.
        • CJUNIT, on 01/31/2008, -0/+9They should seriously consider listing on the NASDAQ. Lots of missed opportunity!
        • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Why would that be an issue? Buy it on the Korean market then. Talk to your stock broker about this. He/She will be able to let you know the exact issues and taxations that will arise. Do realize that there are many other stock markets to be played and to grow your wealth from.
          • JAVandiver, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Unfortunately TD Ameritrade does not offer such services...
    • Dumbledorito, on 01/31/2008, -8/+28Well, they are going after the Apple market, so...
    • digitalarcanum, on 01/31/2008, -13/+39"Knowing Apple this $500 machine will cost $800."
      fix'd
      and that's how the mac mini was born.
      • PCDestroyer, on 01/31/2008, -10/+57"Knowing Apple this $300 machine will cost $1800."
        fix'd...again
        and that's how the iPhone was born
        • wellyuk, on 01/31/2008, -38/+6You didn't fix it. The iPhone doesn't cost 1800 or even close to 1800 though. Here, take a look for yourself:

          http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/A ...
          • Mothrog, on 01/31/2008, -9/+25Yeah, actually the cost is $1800. Purchase price - $400. Lowest cost of service for the mandatory 2 year contract - $59.99x24 = $1439.76. So yeah, it'll cost you $1800 to own an iMaTard phone.
          • wellyuk, on 01/31/2008, -17/+8Well, no. It'll cost you $400 to own the phone and the remaining sum of money to pay for your service costs. As is the case with any other mobile phone you buy with a contract.

            I actually paid CA$650 for my iPhone and my service costs will depend on how much I top my phone up (I'm on Rogers PAYG). So no, it won't cost me $1800 to own an iPhone.
        • wellyuk, on 01/31/2008, -22/+4Oh I get it.. humour.

          Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!
        • srg13, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2Ummm... the iPhone is less than it was when it was announced...
    • Kloud, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Well, I just plain don't like you Mac Book Air. I don't like you at all.
  • schestowitz, on 01/31/2008, -35/+12So their many attempts to extinguish the many rumours that there was desktop on the way were... well, bluffing.
    • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3Thats fine with me :D I like the EEE. A friend at work just got one, and I may as well too. The cloudbook looks cool, but I may opt to go ASUS since I need to review this and evaluate selling them. Selling their boards, notebooks, and now this, I should be able to procure a better wholesale price. Not saying that Everex isnt up to snuff, but the EEE is smoking hot, and non-linux peeps love it. Non-linux peeps are obviously buying it. NIce to see somebody with some real clout push a quality linux product that is advertised as such. I am less than thrilled that Linspire sold nothing but el-cheapos and that Dell is not pushing the Linux offerings at all really.

      To ASUS: Keep up the good work, the consumers are pleased! And PS, don't take away the uber-hackable designs :P
  • tgoose, on 01/31/2008, -18/+228I'd like to bury this for pointlessly talking about iMacs, but hey, the Eee PC is just too cool not to digg.
    • Commodus, on 01/31/2008, -1/+17I believe ASUS itself might have implied they would compete against Apple with the E-Monitor!
    • PATSCRU, on 01/31/2008, -17/+11my fanboys, let me show you them.
    • DaMacGamer, on 01/31/2008, -8/+12Cool, yes....but (and I'm going to get dugg down for this) It will only appeal to the tech savvy, because no matter how bad you want it, Linux (which they said will be the OS used) is not accepted by the general public.

      Well, at least not when you can get a crappy Dell for the same price.
      • yenster, on 01/31/2008, -1/+6Way to be in denial.

        http://news.zdnet.com/2100-9584_22-6227419.html
      • KibibyteBrain, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3Well, Linux already does. The key really is, that Gnome/KDE/standard linux apps have failed in reaching the hearts of the mainstream. But the EEPc so far has had some pretty nifty frontends that I think could change this and make it even easier than a Windows PC for these users to use.

        Also, its nice to finally see someone try to compete with the mac mini in terms of the price point for specs. It always irked me how the mac mini was really the only sane option to pick for a small core 2 duo machine.
        • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Not really. It hasnt been marketed really all that well. The new Dells are great. They come with what most people will want (minus Fluendo codecs and an offer for Crossover or Cedega) and are very fairly priced, especially knowing that there is ZERO crapware preloaded. What I always have felt is that we need a company or two that can do for the Linux loving populace what Apple has done -- create a simple on stop shop for goodies and price it reasonable. Apple does their own development for the most part. ASUS and Dell really don't need to go ape and reinvent an OS, the base is there. Fix what is felt missing in GNOME/KDE or create something new (as in ASUS's model).
          Most linux users are willing to buy prebuilt, but not at the hideous premiums that Emperor, HP, and a few others have charged. System76 is a classic example along with Dell on what good pricing points are. And also, ditch the bargain bin hardware. A $200 PC is weak, and will need to be upgraded to game or do any non OpenOffice work in reasonable timeframes.

          [/rant]
          • tgoose, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Bargain bin hardware is *more than* good enough. People need to stop thinking in consumerist ways where everything has to be higher spec than last year.

            Yes, those running complex mathematical/scientific simulations will need lots of power. So will pro video/audio recordists, mixers and editors. So will servers. And so will hardcore gamers.


            You might notice that only *one* of these categories includes home users. Anyone just doing a normal job with word processing, spreadsheets, databases, e-mail, the web, will never, ever need anything more powerful than hardware that exists today. Today's high-end gear is tomorrow's bargain bin hardware. And that's great, because maybe in twenty years time we'll be able to do everything we could do today on a £40 laptop. So long as there's no vendor lock-in then that's entirely possible.

            The *problem* is big companies convincing everyone that they must have faster computers every three years.
      • m3mn0n, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3I absolutely love Linux and its potential (I use it daily) and I can't help but agree with you.

        But I should add: it's just not *fully* ready for the mainstream yet. Once it is, it'll be the #1 desktop because of its price tag.
        • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I agree to a point, but the real thing that if ever conveyed properly commercially is the benefits of an open source world. Even if a few mainstream apps emerge that everyone wants (besides games), the OS, the desktop, the firewall, things like SELinux, and core services are all FLOSS. That means a flaw or vulnerability is going to be caught and repaired in what will be record times compared to Apple and Microsoft. That is one of my key selling points for Ubuntu/Fedora systems to my customers, and believe me it doesn't hurt to show them that spyware and virii are a thing of the past when migrating over. The package management is also a big point.

          Price is a point, but I don't believe it will be a key point when the rest is brought to light. The thing that was hardest to answer, however, is why it hasn't proliferated. That begins a whole new rant, but usually the person migrates if I recommend it. Gamers I urge to dual boot or just hold out with XP. But the parents that want a working computer for the children to churn homework out and do their MySpacing out are absolutely in joy when they realize that Jr isn't gonna hose the computer up by just going to a website.
      • gudnbluts, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1The white EEE has sold out in New Zealand. The only one I've managed to source (having found that all the people advertising actually have no stock) costs close to $700NZ.

        Either Linux isn't putting people off, or fanboys must be bloody busy.
      • blackmage439, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Sorry, you lost me at "crappy Dell." Dell is the best PC maker in America, hands down. I attended a high school with Compaqs... to sum those systems up in a single word: *****. I then worked at a college that has Gateways. Again: overpriced crap. Their slimline models constantly overheat just by sitting there, and one literally exploded once; the power supply caught fire. I now work in IT at a high school which used to buy MPCs. Worst. Computers. Ever. The final order we got from them are utter garbage. The monitors are crap and the systems are in constant need of replacement parts, which like their predecessors, are trash. We now have HP/Compaqs, and although better, aren't without their issues.

        At home, my parents have owned a Dell for 6 years, and I have owned a Dell for three years plus a new addition (laptop). In all those years, I have only had ONE hardware problem on the parents' Dell; a bad hard drive that was replaced by a technician for free. The laptop could be better: the sound sucks ass. Other than that, they have been wonderful, capable machines. And my tower was a refurb on top of it! On the other end, I have an Alienware laptop that was crap from day one. The fan stays on high RPMs all the time, and despite that, it gets extremely hot, and the battery barely lasts an hour and a half max. Completely overpriced ***** trash. Dell should never have bought them out; their XPS line is far superior.

        Anyone who says Dell sucks either had a bad experience, which sucks, or is a complete ignorant jackass. Go and get yourself a Crapaq or Sony VaiOMG-this-thing-is-*****-overpriced, and then we'll see how your opinions are.
        • anatraj, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Seems like all the systems you say are crap were used by many people. I think any computer with multiple users on a large network is eventually going to suck. I have a dell at my work, and it's slow and crappy. I had an HP at my last job, and guess what, it was slow and crappy.
    • deadelius, on 01/31/2008, -3/+0While Linux is not appreciated by the general public, it proves that you can't always get a reliable and easy to use OS at no cost. So it's more like "not available" for the people who have gained their technical skills through Windows.. if it can be said that it requires any at all..
    • BGog, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Yea.. I was about to say, "It has to NOT run windows to be a mac killer." And to my surprise... looks like it will ship with linux. NICE
    • Myonosken, on 01/31/2008, -2/+1To be fair, the Apple section dwellers always post Vista news in there so, w/e.
    • CarzorStelatis, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Irrelevant reference to the iMac? It's an all-in-one monitor/PC. I can think of precisely two of those on the market at the moment, one of which (by far the most popular) is the iMac and therefore the reference is valid.
  • rmd34, on 01/31/2008, -6/+127"most likely to use Linux to improve both relative performance and the cost"

    Outstanding!
  • Maiko, on 01/31/2008, -40/+10Including a TV tuner? at $500? Really, Asus. Really?
  • sjorsvb, on 01/31/2008, -58/+16Now we wait for a 'Mac OS X killer' operating system...
    • geoken, on 01/31/2008, -19/+58The EeePC is already shipping with it.
      • prophetpimp, on 01/31/2008, -2/+5Xandros? Bahahahahahahaha. ITs even more locked down then Apple OSX
        Ubuntu especially eeeXubuntu is a way better option.
        • collywolly, on 02/05/2008, -0/+1It's not "locked down" in the same way that a Mac is. It comes with an interface for stupid people, but the source code is all available, and you can hack it as you please. Ctrl Alt T and you get a terminal, and get started from there. No DRM nonsense either.
    • Terr01, on 01/31/2008, -14/+46Why bother killing it? It's not like it's a theat. :P
      • rpapi100, on 01/31/2008, -17/+2Th'a a'th'gee th'is not a theat.

        BTW it'th called spelltheat th'at th'in you need.
        • Terr01, on 01/31/2008, -2/+18The real question is whether you're a passive-aggressive Mac user seeking rhetorical vengeance, or just someone who so desperately needs social validation that you will point out single typographical errors with pretensions of wit.
        • Kloud, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1He's a Grammar Nazi obviously. He still seems a little green though.
      • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1right on :D
    • Syphon8, on 01/31/2008, -10/+20Windows NT, Linux, FreeBSD, Solaris, need I go on?
    • Mothrog, on 01/31/2008, -11/+8Yeah. I know. What other operating system gives you the wonderful never ending rotating beach ball of doom? Only Clippy was more fun.
    • weareglass, on 01/31/2008, -2/+9Seriously though, I remember a day when journalists used the word "competitor" instead of killer. So far I've never seen any kind of killer that actually killed the original product. If anything, calling a product a killer is the kiss of death.
  • Hitpoint, on 01/31/2008, -16/+156DUGG! How can the spread of Linux NOT be a good thing.
    • JAVandiver, on 01/31/2008, -4/+35That is why I invest in companies like SourceForge. Support the companies who support OSS.
    • chingy1788, on 01/31/2008, -15/+2Just dont spread Ice Weasel cause that game be many many problems
      browser spontaneously crashes, no flash, gave me lots of trouble when i was doing my assignment

      Unfortunately the Uni forced that down our throats
      • chingy1788, on 01/31/2008, -5/+3seriously its like Windows ME reincarnated as a Web Browser
      • chingy1788, on 01/31/2008, -2/+1bah i just noticed...
        gave me... is the correct line in there
      • SteveMax, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2In case you don't know, Ice Weasel is Firefox... Dissing it here is asking for trouble.
    • Dylson, on 01/31/2008, -15/+5Because it sucks.
    • bemyokono, on 01/31/2008, -18/+2As soon as its popular all you linux lovers will hate it and move on to your next obscure operating system, just like people do with bands when they finally make it big.
      • NinjaJoey, on 01/31/2008, -1/+13Incorrect. The assumption that Linux users like the kernel/OS because it is obscure is ridiculous. Linux users share at every opportunity, they don't hoarde.
        • BrainInAJar, on 01/31/2008, -4/+1yes, they share even when the other party isn't interested...

          *mumbles something about highschool computer club back in the day*
        • bemyokono, on 02/01/2008, -1/+1AcidBurnz 22 hours ago:
          "No. Infact, it's ignorant users like you who bandwagon onto the buzz o/s. Real 'linux lovers' love it for valid, tangible reasons they actually UNDERSTAND. Good day, and long live Linux."

          You dont even have to look beyond this thread to find an example of exactly what i just said. You can keep burying me down, though, becuase i obviously dont know what im talking about.
    • AcidBurnz, on 01/31/2008, -4/+6No. Infact, it's ignorant users like you who bandwagon onto the buzz o/s. Real 'linux lovers' love it for valid, tangible reasons they actually UNDERSTAND. Good day, and long live Linux.
      • r3zonance, on 01/31/2008, -5/+1But 90% of "real computer users" couldn't care less about linux.
        • daverave999, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5They couldn't care about Windows either! All they want to do is use the computer. If they can do that with Linux too then what will they care?
  • hrhs556x, on 01/31/2008, -26/+58just like voyager is "killing the iphone"
    • manitoba98xp, on 01/31/2008, -1/+35Tuvok, fire phasers.

      Wait, wrong Voyager?
    • Lostsurferboy, on 01/31/2008, -2/+11I always thought it was tupac.
  • clak, on 01/31/2008, -60/+184Mac users don't comparison shop between Macs and computers running Linux or Windows. We use Macs because we like OS X, so they could create a computer for 9.95, that comes with a free pony and ice cream and it still wouldn't make a difference.
    • basic0, on 01/31/2008, -17/+88People will probably digg you down because they think you're being a dick, but I work in an office that's mostly Macs and Mac users, and you're absolutely right. Most Mac users will replace an old Mac with a new one and never even take a look at anything else; they just don't care.
      • Nyyankeeman, on 01/31/2008, -3/+63Which makes them perfect customers.
      • grumpyrain, on 01/31/2008, -0/+7I wish we could find customers like that.
        /sigh
        • Stelex, on 02/01/2008, -2/+1All you need to do is to offer a product that is as good as OSX is in its class.
      • rezonq3, on 01/31/2008, -5/+8Sounds like the same people that buy Starbucks coffee...
      • scrappyvintage, on 01/31/2008, -5/+12Ah, the uneducated consumer.
        • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -3/+7Or repeat customer due to satisfaction. Overall I have yet to meet an actual former mac user that left for any other reason other than having to use a PC at work, and needed to take work home to a PC (custom/vertical software sucks ...). Now, though that argument loses weight, since VMs are prevalent on OS X. VMWare and Parallells are cheap compared to having a second computer that you hate.
        • Acolyte357, on 02/01/2008, -0/+3I left due to retard proprietary hardware prices and I started to learn *nix at work.
      • CarzorStelatis, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Exactly, the Eee's Linux distro is designed to attract Windows users, not Mac users.
    • JAVandiver, on 01/31/2008, -56/+71With a Hackintosh you can just as easily have OSX. Mac users like using Macs so that they can feel superior to others.
      • RubberBinder, on 01/31/2008, -24/+13I'm a mac user and my next mac will most likely be a hackintosh. While I love the design of apple products, I don't plan on spending twice as much or even more than it would cost for me to build one, but a hackintosh is not as easy as just buying a Mac, you have to make sure all of your hardware is compatible, but that means nothing because even if it is compatible it will probably need some sort of patch. People buy macs because they work, not because they have to feel superior.
        • TheUnlearn, on 01/31/2008, -6/+25Stop It!! Stop saying that people use Macs because "it just works." You make yourself and everyone else who uses a Mac sound like a douche bag. Windows works, too. Linux also works. I use a Mac because I like the interface and it does everything i need it to. I don't give a ***** what kind of computer/OS other people use.
          • CoolWind, on 01/31/2008, -23/+5actually, you make yourself sound like a douche bag
          • r3zonance, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1Windows DOES just works...but only on its terms. And only once it actual boasts fifty times about getting something to work (i.e. plugging in a USB device).
          • drgmdp, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3yeah, i hear about people having trouble with usb devices on windows like... never
          • Acolyte357, on 02/01/2008, -0/+2A Mac user saying windows USB sucks! hahah
      • joshuaer, on 01/31/2008, -17/+43I like using a mac because i do video editing for a living and i like the OS. I do feel superior to you but it has nothing to do with video editing or a Mac!
        • gandhii, on 01/31/2008, -5/+6Granted that with OSX that is now a good option, I wonder how much experience you and other's who make this argument have with other OS's. I always had a hard time understanding why back in the 90's the industry standard AVID systems were built on Macs with an out of date operating system that couldn't do multi-processing.
          I guess I should get over it... but I'm afraid I know too much of the history.
          • gudnbluts, on 01/31/2008, -2/+3" I always had a hard time understanding why back in the 90's the industry standard AVID systems were built on Macs with an out of date operating system that couldn't do multi-processing."

            One reason may have been that they needed fast access to the hard drive which meant bypassing the file system. That wasn't possible under Windows until Vista. I did a contract for a company doing similar things to AVID, and that's why Windows was the only platform they didn't develop for.
          • petemorley, on 01/31/2008, -1/+0When I was at Uni all the AVID PC's were Wintel boxes. To be honest thought, I prefer Final Cut Pro now. Nothing elitist, I just perfer the program.
          • Acolyte357, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1"needed fast access to the hard drive which meant bypassing the file system." eh? Do you understand what you just said?
      • manitoba98xp, on 01/31/2008, -16/+8Some Mac users prefer not to commit illegal acts to that end. Others prefer Apple's hardware design and 100% compatibility with OS X (Hackintosh isn't totally compatible with all hardware, updates are delayed, etc.)

        Same is true of some Windows users. I'm sure all Mac users both willing and able to run a Hackintosh are already aware of the possibility.
      • arkive, on 01/31/2008, -19/+5You're an idiot.
        • drgmdp, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2very intelligent and constructive comment
      • darienphoenix, on 01/31/2008, -6/+11Saying a Hackintosh is a good alternative to a Mac is the same as saying Linux is a good alternative to Windows.

        They appeal to different people. Personally, I don't want to screw around getting OS X working on a built box. Then again, my only Mac is a MacBook, so it's not like a Hackintosh is even an alternative.
        • modifiedbears, on 01/31/2008, -2/+2That's probably one of the worst analogies I have ever seen. The only difference between a Hackintosh and a Mac is the casing.
          • schotty, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Actually its the little Apple ROM chip that says its a Mac. But aside from that you're right. Bad analogy.
        • elmetald00d, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3as a matter of fact, it is. there are PLENTY of fully working laptops out there. I mean sure you wont get little things like: gravity(accelerometer) sensors, ambient light sensors, and so on. butyou have webcam, mic, everythign you need. hell Im on mine right now.
      • weareglass, on 01/31/2008, -7/+13You know, I'm honestly really sick of people trying to tell me why I use a Mac. You're just as bad as a Mac fanboy.
      • johnnybluejeans, on 01/31/2008, -9/+10Saying a hackintosh is the same as a having a Mac is like saying having a turbocharged 1994 Civic is like owning a Porsche.
        • NinjaJoey, on 01/31/2008, -2/+8You mean faster, but not as "trendy?"
        • doctordbx, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Except the Mac is not a ***** Porsche douche bag.

          Edit: Don't take it personally. I have committed to now calling anyone who compares a Mac to a Porsche a douche bag. I am eyeing off a new iMac for the girlfriend this week and don't hate Macs, they're just not Porsches.
      • gtapro92, on 01/31/2008, -5/+1yea just involves toying with bios no big deal
        • DagMX, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3uh, no. You obviously have no idea what work goes into a hackintosh system
      • DagMX, on 01/31/2008, -2/+3People will not sue hackintosh systems. You know why?
        The same reason the majority of people don't use DIY systems eiter? Too much effort and at the end of the day theres no support.

        Stop sayin mac users like to feel superior. Coming from a media backgound, I can't wait to switch to a mac because of it's superior media bacened. I don't mea codecs and stuff(before sme idiot diggs me down for that), i mean the core framework.

        For adio recording, audio processing, video work etc... macs are superior just ebcause of the operating system. And if I do have a problem, I'd like to have some support available. Using a hakintosh system, I'm exposing myself to even more problems.

        In short, don't tell people what they need, why they use what they use or tell them an alternative withou actually thinking it through.
        ***** anti-mac fanboys..
      • Rudiger81, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2One part of liking OS X is not being bothered with all the crap that windows and building ur own computer ***** with crap and eventually getting it to work. Open box turn it on, small amount of details of which most can be skipped and done.
      • r3zonance, on 01/31/2008, -1/+4You lost all credibility when you said "With a Hackintosh you can just as easily have OSX". Absolute crock, you have to get the right hardware first and then frig around with all sorts of crap to make it work.
      • smoger, on 01/31/2008, -2/+4in what universe is installing OSX on a pc "just as easy" as opening the box a mac shipped in and turning it on?
      • Kelmon, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1In the past I was happy building my own PCs and felt as though I was saving money. These days, though, I'm too busy and I honestly can't be arsed to go through that process, plus I switched to laptops. In this respect a Mac is perfect for me and trying to build my own is something I won't consider. If you can be bothered then good luck to you but it's not for me any more.
    • rpapi100, on 01/31/2008, -33/+32Hell I'd buy a PC for 10 bucks that comes with a pony. I would then proceed to sell the pony and buy myself a really neat pc for around half the price of a mac.

      Oh, and the ice cream? I'd shove it up your ***.
      • turpenine, on 01/31/2008, -3/+11see, now you are just being an offensive prick.
      • s1mph0ny, on 01/31/2008, -3/+9A hilarious insensitive prick at that.
      • undersky, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Why stop there? Sell that pony, buy 10 more PCs, sell ten more ponies, buy 100 PC, sell 100 ponies then you can pay the down payment for a house in California.
    • userxrage, on 01/31/2008, -3/+19i agree with you, but this isn't for Mac users. this is for people who would like to switch from Windows without paying Mac prices. so it's not as much a Mac Killer as it is a Mac alternative.
    • homesickalien, on 01/31/2008, -6/+38***** you. Give me the pony.
    • limpits, on 01/31/2008, -1/+14Most mac users don't care about a price difference otherwise they wouldn't have bought the mac in the first place. This isn't for mac users specifically, it is for people who need a nice cheap comp for any array of things.
    • jjmckay, on 01/31/2008, -2/+5Or its for people who don't care much necessarily for Macs, more just for the Mac or Apple-like look. IMO, many people buy Apple stuff just for the physical appearance of the stuff.
    • tcasey22, on 01/31/2008, -2/+7That, my friend, is called ignorance.
    • tomwhughes, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3Icecream and a computer??? *in dr zoidburg voice*
    • diggingaround, on 01/31/2008, -6/+6...please daddy ... hold my hand .. I don't know how to handle a real computer.. give ma a mac ..
      buahhhaaauu ;`O
    • roodammy44, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2I like my macbook for the design.
      It's the little things that don't come with other laptops that count - accelerometer, built in webcam and microphone, built in remote control, widescreen, good looks, magnetic latches on everything.
      I couldn't care less about MacOS. Yeah, it's a nice OS - but the thing I like it for most is the command line. Which is unix-based. Oh, and the fact it takes less than a second to come out of sleep.

      However - I will buy an eeepc. Anyone who lives in crime-ridden london will know why, I don't wanna take my mac out there to be stolen.
    • flammenwurfer, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2I'm always amazed at how retarded Mac owners are with their money.
      Mac owner - This computer does everything everything this Mac does for half the price. Should I get it? No, my friends won't think I'm cool enough. I better just spend twice as much money so I can feel cool.
    • secleinteer, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1That's such a stupid idea. I have no allegiance to any hardware or software maker. I used to use Windows, but that never stopped me from switching to Linux. I have a Sony desktop, but that didn't stop me from buying a HP laptop. I'll take competition instead of a monopoly (which is what Macs have on OS X), tyvm.
  • D0P3M4N, on 01/31/2008, -23/+29Its missing the oh-so-stylish white/aluminum case and the snazzy apple logo--it shall kill no imacs.
    • gandhii, on 01/31/2008, -1/+10There aren't even any pictures ... maybe it will be a white aluminum case with a snazzy tomato shaped logo
      • exomni, on 01/31/2008, -7/+2There is a picture... and it looks NOTHING like an iMac, ***** EVER. It's a COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PRODUCT, not even in the same CATEGORY. It's a computer-in-an-HDTV, not a desktop computer.
    • AngryAngryBrian, on 01/31/2008, -2/+15So if I buy a network equipment rack and paint it white, slap an apple logo on it, and call it an iRaq is it cool now?
  • BrandonMills, on 01/31/2008, -33/+26Apple is overpriced. We've known this for years. Time for the public to find out the same thing.
    • DesignEx, on 01/31/2008, -10/+15Yes... Apple is overpriced, but the $199 Eee PC is now $400, so that doesn't make Asus much better in that department.
      • JAVandiver, on 01/31/2008, -4/+7Huh. Newegg is selling them for $299. Or are you speaking in Austrialian dollars? Sorry Ozzies, I know that is not actually the exchange rate, but I cannot use Canadian currency as my scapegoat anymore. : (
        • s1mph0ny, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1The 4gb flash model is $400, or $350 depending on which color you want. It's still a deal compared to an iphone, but what are you going to do with a subnotebook that has less than 4gb of storage?
      • chingy1788, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2~$500AUD here in Australia at Officeworks
        which translates to about $450 USD
      • MattBD, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1That's still cheaper than anything else even remotely comparable.
      • Squidwalk, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Overpriced doesn't mean "higher priced than once advertised."
    • joshuaer, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2are you not part of the public and who is this "we" you speak of if it is not the public?
    • Drax0n, on 01/31/2008, -14/+6Just keeep telling yourself that.. Whatever you do dont go spec a Dell with the same specs as a Mac Pro, when you find out the apple is 800-1200 CHEAPER, and comes with a WAY better OS... and better software.. and not tons of BLOATWARE... your earth may shatter...
      • chilekillr, on 01/31/2008, -1/+10http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=ma ...
      • fjc8, on 01/31/2008, -0/+12Try comparing any other system. Like a full system under $600 or a laptop under $1000. Apple has no products there outside of the used market.
        Try comparing to a manufacuturer other than Dell - the PC market is made up of more than one company.

        If you compare arbitrary specifications like HD size or CPU speed, Apple might win. But if you compare systems that might meet a specific need -- say, a ~15" laptop (easily under $1000), or perhaps a 3.0 lbs laptop (about $1200 from Dell or Lenovo), PCs are significantly cheaper.
      • Mothrog, on 01/31/2008, -7/+8Keep telling yourself that, fan boy. I just built the following system on Crapple:

        One quad core 2.8 GHz Intel processor
        2 GB DDR2 800 MHz RAM
        320 GB Drive
        Geforce 8800 GT graphics card
        No display
        16x Superdrive

        Apple's price was $2499. Dell's was $1709. So, Dell kinda won by almost $800. Nice try.
        • Kindjal, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3Do some research, the Mac Pro uses 2 Dual Core XENON. Mac Pro uses Server technology with dual processor boards and not $150 Quad core consumer crap. The cache on those 2 processors alone is twice the size your 4 cores have and they scale a lot better too.
          Now go back to Dell and configure a system with XENON and we talk again about price.
        • atezun, on 02/01/2008, -0/+2Um...its actually XEON ""
    • bobartig, on 01/31/2008, -3/+6Whether you believe macs are over priced or not, you would have to be down-right delusional to think that an eeePC and a MacBook, or a eeeDesktop and an iMac are in the same product category.
      The eeePC is 1/4 the price of a MacBook, but it has half the display, half the ports, 1/6 the CPU power, 1/80 the HDD space, 1/4 the RAM, etc. etc. They are not the same class.
      In the same way, the eeeDekstop isn't going to do 1/4 of what an iMac does.
      • BrandonMills, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4Hardware-wise, Apple overcharges. Right now, they're the Digg darling, and noone will go against them. However, I believe soon Linux will have OS X cloned, and when that day comes, it's going to be hard to look at OS X as something amazingly special again.
        • roodammy44, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Linux can already do way more impressive things than OSX
          It's just not quite as simple to use yet.
          Which is why Ubuntu is a big step in the right direction
    • xutopia, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2That's like saying a Porsche is overpriced.
      • Squidwalk, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Good call! Premium goods like Macs and Porsches aren't about bang for your buck, they're about style over substance. They're called luxury goods for a reason!
  • colincornaby, on 01/31/2008, -34/+150I'm sure that just like the iMac this will include a 2.0 ghz Core 2 Duo, a gigabyte of memory, a DVD burner, 250 gigs of hard drive space, and an X1600 graphics card. : rolls eyes : I'm not saying this isn't a good choice for some people. I'm saying that acting like this is the same thing as the iMac for $500 is just stupid.
    • TheFiestyFaun, on 01/31/2008, -14/+3i couldnt have said it better myself.
    • dorkslayer, on 01/31/2008, -13/+4Wow, way to completely miss the point of the iMac.
    • valkyries, on 01/31/2008, -17/+37since when was " 2.0 ghz Core 2 Duo, a gigabyte of memory, a DVD burner, 250 gigs of hard drive space, and an X1600 graphics card" needed to surf the internet and send emails?
      • Daedalus17, on 01/31/2008, -8/+41It isn't. But then why compare this to the iMac?
        • s1mph0ny, on 01/31/2008, -5/+8What else can you do with an iMac?
          *ducks*
        • roodammy44, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3It's designed like one, and it's what the majority of mac users use it for.
      • bobartig, on 01/31/2008, -7/+10Exactly. The iMac also plays games, edits movies and pictures beautifully, makes podcasts, has firewire...
        hell those are the specs of the original intel iMac from 2 years ago (I have one). The latest are more like 2.8 QuadCore, 2 GB memory, etc. etc. It really is a low/midrange workhorse computer, not just a browser terminal.
        • nogami, on 01/31/2008, -2/+5Which is fine, but I think the "iMac Killer" is targeted at the sort of folk who don't play games, edit movies or photoshop picutres, make podcasts, or care about firewire.

          It's squarely aimed at people who need a web browser, email client, an office application suite, and that's it.

          To put it in comparison, my dad owns an iMac and does exactly those things. He never edits video, rarely plays non-2d games, etc. If an Eee PC came along that could do his day-to-day activities for $500, I think it would be a done deal.
        • FoxOrian, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2I see these making some good use in schools, too. Buying a bulk order of $500 all-in-ones would be easy maintenance.
          • s1mph0ny, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Maintenance as in throw it away when it breaks maintenance?
        • Acolyte357, on 02/01/2008, -0/+2"The iMac also plays games"
          Sure it does sparky
      • JusticeFriend, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2250 gigs are very good for porn
    • b-dizzle, on 01/31/2008, -6/+15I think the comparison is very fair- they're both all-in-ones, which cater to people who want a simple computer they can use for basic computing needs (internet, media, etc). Sure you're not gonna be able to do HD video rendering on this thing, but somebody who needs that capability will likely look at towers.
      • joshuaer, on 01/31/2008, -10/+3you can capture and edit hd video on an ibook and imac using imovieHD. are you saying that every consume needs to buy a 3000.00 computer to edit video they shot on a 800.00 camcorder?
      • srg13, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3The word 'Killer' implies that it is better either at whatever tasks they perform, or in specs - but they're for completely different uses - there's no comparision.
    • toxicityj, on 01/31/2008, -8/+33And if it did, I guarantee it would still cost less than the iMac.
      • Drax0n, on 01/31/2008, -21/+5Do yourself a favour, go spec out a dell with the same specs as a Mac Pro, even with the dell bloatware, the disaster that is vista, and the lack of programs like iLife the Mac pro will consistantly spec in 800-1200 CHEAPER than dell..

        Its ok you can go cry yourself to sleep now.
        • MackPrime, on 01/31/2008, -5/+3SERIOUS BUSINESS
        • toxicityj, on 01/31/2008, -5/+17what fantasy world do you live in?
        • Mothrog, on 01/31/2008, -2/+12You might want to try it yourself, first.
        • Jorophose, on 01/31/2008, -3/+9GET THE ***** OUT RIGHT NOW.

          Dual-socket AM2 motherboard: 300$
          Dual Opterons for AM2 (1280?): 400$
          Dual 500GB hard drives in RAID1: 200$
          4GB of ECC RAM: 120$
          Antec Nine Hundred: ~110$
          SeaSonic 430W power supply: ~75$
          nVidia 8800GT: 250$
          Samsung DVD burner: 29$

          Total: Just about ~1500$
          Performance: Beats the living ***** out of any mac pro.

          Thank you for shopping at your local PC store.

          (Just a note: I went wiht Opterons because they give better performance than Xeons, and FB-DIMMs are made of AIDS and fail, especially with Intel's crappy memory controllers)
        • soopafly, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1Is that running some sort of magical OS?
        • NinjaJoey, on 01/31/2008, -5/+1Spec out a Dell? Anyone who orders from Dell is just as bad as someone who thinks that an iMac is faster than a comparably priced, well-built Windows/Linux machine.
        • Gloony, on 01/31/2008, -2/+2Fail.
        • WhiteIce89, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3Mac users don't like numbers.
      • etandrib, on 01/31/2008, -3/+2Sure it would because it doesn't have OS X.
      • Squidwalk, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Good call. Mac Boys need to be reminded they are buying luxury goods, not computers. When they realize they're paying more for what is essentially jewelery, a lot of them feel less superior.
    • rpapi100, on 01/31/2008, -4/+40Actually, I prefer my custom-made core quad, 2 gig, dvd burner, 320 gig HD with nvidia 8600GT for less than 1000 bucks running ubuntu, thank you very much.
      As the idiot who wrote the article, you seem to suffer from ``missing the targeted market`` syndrome. If you wish to compare high-end to low-end and vise-versa this will go on for ever.
      BTW, before you think about it, it took me 3 hours to assemble my machine using the given instructions. I have no training in IT and this was my first machine. So that whole ``Macs are so simple`` argument ? you know what to do with it.
      • FoxOrian, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6If you can stick the correct shape peg into the correct shape hole with the correct color, you can build a computer with instructions.
        And it's so satisfying once it's done :)

        However, if you take "macs are simpler" literally, well, it's true. Taking an iMac out of a box and plugging it in is simpler than building a machine from scratch any way you look at it.

        I also couldnt help but notice that the original poster got the current specs for the iMacs wrong, they actually have ATi HD2400 graphics..
        • tpink, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2"If you can stick the correct shape peg into the correct shape hole with the correct color, you can build a computer with instructions."

          Yep, building a PC is about as hard as paint by numbers.
      • iiBeLiEvE, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Dugg for original poster's crushing rebuttal.
      • WhiteIce89, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2You're comparing apples to oranges. The ASUS will be an all-in-one, which I'm guessing yours is not.
      • smoger, on 01/31/2008, -2/+2why would you use a quad core processor and then skimp out with a budget video card?
    • fuckinhell, on 01/31/2008, -1/+8Don't forget, the Eee PC is a marketing buzz that Asus created. They invigorated their sales by creating a unique product. Now that they see that they can be successful, they have a little more money to throw at the Eee PC line. Heck, I might get one, why not, they are cheap as hell and useful. I think Asus is attempting to build the Eee PC name into somthing that means something in the industry, that comes with certian expectations. I am not sure but Eee PC articles are almost as common as Ubuntu articles. It's all the buzz. Not necessarily the BEST implementation but definately a "consumable" one. My opinion? They have a remarkable opportunity to create something like the "Thinkpad" name. A sort of expectation of quality?.? They are off to a great start if they just follow thru. The Eee PC is a remarkable hit and they should follow it up with another "innovative" product.
    • Varz, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2FTA "The Taiwan PC maker does not elaborate on full details but is most likely to use Linux to improve both relative performance and the cost".
    • jhaks, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Decent Case $80 + 8800GT $250 + Good PSU $100 + 500 GB HD $100 + Core 2 Quad 6600 $280 + 2GB of good RAM $40 + Decent Motherboard $120 + DVD Burner $60 = $1030

      This rig compared to the cheapest desktop mac:
      8800GT 5.5x more performance than HD2400 Pro (check tomshardware)
      Q6600 has 4 cores at 2.4Ghz instead of 2 cores at only 2 Ghz
      2x HD space
      2x RAM

      Not to mention it is still cheaper. If you want to buy Windows (OEM) then it comes to about the same price.
      • smashhell, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3add an $60 dollar CPU heatsink.
        Overclock the core 2 Quad Q6600 to 3.2Ghz.
        Than you're off with a kickass top of the line computer.
        It'll even play Crisis at max setting. =)
      • doctorcaligari, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1I agree wholeheartedly with your comment, and it's the reason I haven't bought an Imac. But you do need to include some more "accessories", like a 20-inch monitor ($200), good keyboard and mouse ($50), speakers ($30), and an operating system ($190 for OEM Vista Ultimate, or free Linux).
        Total Price: $1500 with Vista, $1300 with Linux
        You argument would be very valid if you were comparing the system to a Mac Pro.
    • xutopia, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1But your're stuck with Windows.
  • scott12087, on 01/31/2008, -13/+6Dugg for the chick in the first picture.
  • Wiini, on 01/31/2008, -30/+20Apple and Hillary have one thing in common. Pure Evil.
    • Commodus, on 01/31/2008, -12/+8Because we all know, Apple voted in favor of the Iraq war and only does whatever it takes to be voted.

      What?

      C'mon, you're not really sticking it to The Man by buying an ASUS Eee PC, even if it does have Linux onboard!
      • Wiini, on 01/31/2008, -10/+6WTF are you talking about? I made a lowly, pointless, no logic joke about both Hillary and Apple sucking ass... why did you have to make it so complicated? Go back to your Shanties!!
        • JAVandiver, on 01/31/2008, -6/+2How about that Steve Jobs makes both H-Rod(& the DNC) and Apple a lot of money?
  • nova912, on 01/31/2008, -15/+29One Word: Gateway
    • Gloony, on 01/31/2008, -1/+11Yes. You're right.
      That *is* one word.
    • blackmage439, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1What does Gateway have to do with this story? They're just a ***** PC manufacturer who make systems that spontaneously overheat and explode (happened at work once). Not to mention people seem to have forgotten they used to literally lock their desktop towers to anyone but their technicians. Want to upgrade your RAM without having to pay a Gateway technician? Go ahead: crack the case. *Crack* What's that sound? Oh, it's VOIDING YOUR WARRANTY! I don't know of any other company who ever locked their DESKTOPS... What a bunch of asshats.
      • nova912, on 02/03/2008, -0/+1Gateway ran a campaign in 2001/2002 for an all in one computer directly comparing it to the iMac. I'm saying the 'iMac killer' angle has been tried.
  • Lane, on 01/31/2008, -7/+13if they equipped an ATSC tuner this thing would absolutely devastate HDTV sales. With wireless music and movies and timeshift capabilities how could you not want this on your kitchen counter?
    • MadScientist440, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3Doesn't the article say that it comes with a tuner?
    • bobartig, on 01/31/2008, -5/+3My mac has an ATSC tuner... you can get them at the Apple Store.
    • Lane, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1It could be a PAL tuner or NTSC tuner meaning it won't work in the US or it's signal will be full of artifacts in NTSC's case.
    • RevToTheRedline, on 01/31/2008, -2/+1I'm sure the quality of the panel is gonna be outstanding... "rolls eyes
  • KevinJim, on 01/31/2008, -3/+83Is my idea or ASUS started to kick everyones asses at the value-to-offer game ?
    • atezun, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Well considering they don't have to outsource their production it isn't that surprising.
  • nitsnipe, on 01/31/2008, -15/+6iMac is actually alive?
  • TheGreatBelow, on 01/31/2008, -7/+60The EEE PC is pretty much the coolest thing ever.
  • peestandingup, on 01/31/2008, -6/+23This is great. If they build a headless compact computer thats powerful enough to use as a media center & another ultra-portable thats a bit more powerful (with a bigger screen) than the Eee, all sporting Linux & a dirt cheap price tag, I'll be all over this.

    Apple who?
    • Drax0n, on 01/31/2008, -14/+5Apple.. you know.. the company that has twice the market value as Dell.
      • Insanitation, on 01/31/2008, -6/+11And 1/20th the size of MSFT
      • TypeEE, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6Since when do people buy products based on the maker's market value?
    • Myztry, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1I'm a full time Ubuntu user, and haven't touched an Apple since the early eighties. Even so, I hardly see it being the demise of of Apple. I see the two as totally different niche's. This would be ideal for Media centers, Home automation, Browsing console, etc.
      A whole lot of things that could be done brilliantly since Linux can be fully customized. With the right Linux distribution you wouldn't even know you were using Linux anymore than you know what software your DVD player uses. Black box excellence.
  • axiomflash, on 01/31/2008, -10/+39omg, i'm selling my imac tonight!..
    • Insanitation, on 01/31/2008, -6/+5good call
      • msevely, on 01/31/2008, -6/+0The new One Laptop Per Child In WHITE!! Amazing......! ill stay witn mac....
        • m3mn0n, on 01/31/2008, -0/+6Okay... attacking OLPC in a iMac defense (or for anything really) is just retarded.
  • 1timeuser, on 01/31/2008, -6/+7Forgive me, but it seems like something I could build out of older parts I already own... or new parts at a cheaper price. The laptop kicked ass, but if I want a media center I'd build it to my own specifications (And get a lot more bang for my buck).

    I'd like to see ASUS enter the handheld media market with this concept and give apple a run for their money though.
    • gandhii, on 01/31/2008, -0/+11Google "asus pda"... they've been in the "handheld" market for several years now.
      Also, I apologize for stating the obvious, but ALL pre-built computers are not intended to be marketed to people who prefer to build their own.
      • 1timeuser, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1I was refering to mp3/media players when i said the handheld media market. I think if asus attempted an inexpensive linux based Ipod killer it would be a hit.

        "Also, I apologize for stating the obvious, but ALL pre-built computers are not intended to be marketed to people who prefer to build their own."
        Exactly, and look at who asus is trying to sell these things to- Seemingly, the linux fan base. People who can most likely build their own. I might as well just pull some old parts out of my garage, slap linux on it, and sell an ancient rig for $500 if you people are just going to buy it because its a product that comes with linux on it.

        I havn't seen the specs on this thing, but I assume they are going to be pathetic for a $500 unit. For $500 I undoubtedly can build a mythTV box that could eat this thing for lunch.
        • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Bravo, now please tell us how you got on the ASUS marketing team because you seem to display such in depth knowledge on how their products are branded, pitched and placed.
          You might be able to built a nice $500 pc but I can safely say that ASUS solution won't look like an ugly box.
    • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3i don't know if you are going to succeed in getting more bang for your buck especially when ASUS pretty much produce most of the computer hardware. Unless you want to go down the FoxCon and cheaper alternatives
    • TypeEE, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1If someone could make a perfect HTPC product, you won't need to build your own. What do you want anyway? 1080p output, dolby digital/DTS out, a cable card slot, an optical drive, thats about it.

      I am thinking of the xbmc, the only things that it is incapable of is playing HD content. So if someone make a standalone product that is right and cheap, you won't want to build your own.
      • 1timeuser, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1xbmc is a work of art, but it wont beat a myth tv setup, neither will this or apples lame product. Thing is, a decent MythTV setup has to be done from scratch by someone that knows what they are doing. I have seen things with MythTV frontend support on sale before.
  • phrenzy, on 01/31/2008, -21/+29Just like the previous iMac was killed by 'eMachines' copy? Like the iPod killer? Like the iPhone killer? Why are PC users (and the industry) so obsessed with Apple and what they are doing? Angry nerds pissed at other people for liking Macs (which is really them just being pissed for not getting laid.
    • joshuaer, on 01/31/2008, -4/+7more so why are people so concerned about trying to kill something that just got 9% of the market. 9% we must kill it before it reaches 12%!!!
    • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -3/+3I don't think anybody is obsess with anything like you described. It seems more like a sensational way to present the article.
      By using collective noun such as PC users, I assume you are a Mac user. Thus it is usually hard for you to grasp that there is a competition out there in the computer industry. Everyone is "killing" each other, not just Mac.
    • pirloui, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Yes it's insane, why wish for the only alternative to dissapeare.
      Let's kill the minority :/
    • Varz, on 01/31/2008, -0/+8PS3 killer, Xbox killer, AMD killer..............it's not just about Macs.

      People aren't pissed at people liking macs, they're sometimes pissed with the pretentious attitudes mac users tend to have.
    • m3mn0n, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4spoken like a true fanboy giving his camp too much self-importance
    • haterofps3, on 02/01/2008, -0/+1Really your theory is that all those people who dis-like the salty taste of Steve Jobs and his closed platform must just be angry about not getting laid. How wise you are it has nothing to do with the Common PC user, it has more to do with the sensationalist media and buzz words with good QT numbers.

      The reality is that Asus sees a market with growth potential and are releasing products that fit nicely in said market. I want a Asus EEE laptop(Just don't need one) I want the E-Monitor and the E-TV and whether or not they are necessary to fit within my lifestyle will be determined by the products modability and specification and not because Steve "kiss my ass" Jobs told me too.

      I like OSX I believe it is a great OS however I do not see the point in me buying 2grand worth of Laptop to use it!
  • winstonc, on 01/31/2008, -1/+17A $500 all-in-one Linux machine with those specs would be nice... but I don't know if they'll be able to do it. The eeepc laptop was supposed to be $200, but now the cheapest one you can get is $300, and that's with lower specs than they originally claimed. If that's a sign of what's to come for the eeepc desktop, then expect a $750 computer with lower specs than they're claiming now.
    • TransmitThis, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Exactly what I was thinking as soon as seeeing those figures
    • iofthestorm, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Even then though, it would still make a pretty nice DVR type thing. Also, the specs of the $300 one aren't actually much lower than originally claimed, the original specs were a 2GB SSD, not the 4GB people assume. Although, I got that from wikipedia, so idk.
      • cthellis, on 01/31/2008, -0/+0It's still problematic, though. For just a bit more, people can pick up the lowest-end laptops from HP and Dell, which are much better-performing, higher-spec, and including-of-the-OS-everyone-uses.

        It's certainly a better option for those looking for a small, convenient, cheap laptop (since other "ultra-lights" are stupidly expensive), but a lot of the appeal was supposed to go to people looking for the cheapest laptop altogether, and they're not THAT much distinguished. A lot of people will take the $200 upcharge to get 2x the screen space, a full size keyboard, lots more horsepower and storage, etc.
    • Varz, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3They are using desktop hardware so it shouldn't be too expensive. Mass produced pc hardware tends to be a lot cheaper than notebook/labptop hardware, especially if they're going to use older stuff.
  • wishnuv, on 01/31/2008, -1/+13Its the software, stupid!
    • xkingADROCKx, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1yeah why the ***** would i want linux? It's only advantage over OSX is that it is free.
  • freshyill, on 01/31/2008, -25/+12Cool, it runs OS X? No?

    FAIL.
  • willgonz, on 01/31/2008, -4/+5Guaranteed to contain parts supplied by the lowest bidder. Prepare for more Bad Caps (badcaps.net).
    • LastDitchHero, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Really? No, *****? The lowest bidder? Yes, I am pretty sure if you read specs on bids for electronic parts which not only control the quality but on hands, ability to ship the goods, unannounced inspections, etc you will be surprised. But yea after meeting all those requirements of coarse they will pick the lowest bidder.
    • s1mph0ny, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Let's just hope they stay away from lead free solder.
  • Quito, on 01/31/2008, -12/+34The chances of ASUS birthing an iMac killer are on par with the Zune crushing the iPod.
    • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -5/+11How would you define an iMac killer?
      It outsells the iMac? PC and Dells has been doing this for years
      It cost more than the iMac? get a gold plated PC
      It looks prettier than the iMac? This is a matter of taste and judging from the EEE, it wouldn't be that hard to get something looking prettier than the iMac
      • Smoozle, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1"iMac killer" mens taking away market share and/or mind share away from Apple. In other words, people who would have both an iMac buying an Asus instead.
        • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2That would be completely pointless for business don't you think? Is it not more sensible to take away the larger market share such as windows than the relatively small but overzealous fanbase of Apple?
          • Smoozle, on 01/31/2008, -2/+1Sure it is, but then don't call it an iMac killer. Call it a Dell killer or better yet - a very nice and competitive machine.
    • iofthestorm, on 01/31/2008, -1/+11Well, drastically different markets for this and the iMac, but I think the Zune's chances of at least catching up to the iPod are actually decent now, the 2nd generation Zune is actually really nice.
      • Smoozle, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Give it 3-5 years and everyone will catch up to the iPod. By then portable music players will be a commodity like Sony Walkman in late eighties and early nineties. I, personally, would call something an "iPod killer" only if it replaces the iPod from the 70-something% of the market device.
    • insllvn, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Yes, for a Microsoft product will never defeat a more aesthetically pleasing Apple product.
  • Qtip42, on 01/31/2008, -18/+12Sorry, asus cannot kill the imac. The imac is too pretty and has name recognition. Asus has good stuff but it's disposable and boring.
  • joshuaer, on 01/31/2008, -5/+25on a cool scale it is a 10, on the helping low income people it is a 12, on spreading linux it is an 8 and on killing the imac it is a 0 or -5.
    500.00 for a slow linux computer or 1200 for a dual core mac if people have the money they will take the mac every time.
    • bobartig, on 01/31/2008, -1/+3How does this help low income people at all? You've been able to get a workable desktop PC and monitor from Dell for ~$500 for at least 4 years now that will do everything the Asus AIO will do. Some how poor people, who could afford a $500 PC, have been putting it off all this time waiting for an all-in-one? I don't buy it. I'm calling you on the 12, and replacing it with a 0.
      • iofthestorm, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2Err, even though it's the same price, the Dell doesn't have an integrated TV tuner or monitor, which makes this a really nice basic HTPC.
    • rpapi100, on 01/31/2008, -0/+7slow and linux dont go together my friend, ask my grand-ma and her blazing pentium III on ubuntu.
  • r00fus, on 01/31/2008, -1/+14Lesee... lame iMac comparison. Most likely it will kick Gateway and Dell's asses, as XP is probably the easiest OS switch (OSX would need to be pirated, and the driver issues... not fun).
    It's not a Mac, because the specs will not be comparable, and it does not run OSX.

    Still tempting for a kitchen browsing machine (and I say this as a Mac fan :-)
    • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -4/+3Yes it is fairly obvious from your logic.
      The majority of people don't really care about the underlying OS. So it doesn't really matter if it is an OSX or Ubuntu or XP
      I guess the only thing that would make it beat an iMac for people like you would be for it to look EXACTLY like an iMac, runs the same software and even have an apple logo. Even then it would be pushing it.
      • chicofaraby, on 01/31/2008, -5/+5"The majority of people don't really care about the underlying OS"

        That's why you aren't a Mac user. Some of us DO care. The OS matters and no Linux box will ever be a "mac killer." Nothing wrong with Linux, but it's not Mac and it will never "replace" OSX.
        • gudnbluts, on 01/31/2008, -1/+4"Some of us DO care. The OS matters "

          That completely depends on what you're doing. Most users spend all their time within the applications rather than messing with the OS. The OS really isn't that important as long as it's functional. Realising that will save you thousands.
        • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -1/+6Yes, I do realize it is quite pointless arguing with "some" whose obsession is a Mac just because it is a Mac and nothing more.
          For those who use computer to do something instead of hugging it, Linux and Windows are much cheaper alternatives.
        • theblt, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1@daftman - That's the worst argument I have ever heard. Have you ever used a Mac? Much of the industry-standard for multimedia production software is only on the Mac. Macs are much easier and safer to use, making it a good alternative for children and the elderly.

          BTW, I don't even own a Mac. I only work on them.
          • daftman, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Yes I do use a Mac. In fact I'm typing this on my new iMac. Mac is not easier nor safer to use than the cheaper alternative, Linux. Security on a Mac is very much the same as any other *nix platform including Linux, Solaris, AIX, etc. The gui is not that much different compare to gnome or kde.
            Please provide proof of industry-standard multimedia production software that is ONLY available to the Mac and not on either Windows or Linux.
  • mRIpX, on 01/31/2008, -8/+3.
  • dorkus999, on 01/31/2008, -10/+4The vibration you feel is Apple shuddering in fear.
    • bobartig, on 01/31/2008, -3/+4Lets see:
      Number of PC vendors who have made iMac knockoffs, and all-in-one iMac killers: ALL OF THEM (IBM, Dell, HP, Compaq, eMachine, MicronPC).
      Number of iMac killers that have rivaled Apple's success with all-in-one design: None.
      More like, that vibration is Apple delivering the World's Loudest "Meh."
  • rory096, on 01/31/2008, -10/+3I came.
  • kurtwinter, on 01/31/2008, -1/+10This isn't an Apple killer - and neither is the eeePC - what they are completely new devices to enter the market and their competition is null in many cases. Can you think of another company that sells really small laptops at all? Perhaps Toshiba? 10 years ago? And this integrated system really only has competition from small LCD TV vendors.
    • Gloony, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Sony, IBM, OQO, Fujitsu (Sans siemens these days), several small Japanese companies and a few others sell UMPC's and ultraportables of various types.

      The only real difference is price point and usable/familiar form factor, which is where the Eee PC is pretty awesome.
      • Myztry, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1But everyone knows what an eeePC. Don't underestimate that, and don't bother bringing in expensive industrial hardware for comparison. It's not part of the eeePLC line.
  • theotheragentm, on 01/31/2008, -5/+6Are they crazy? It's going against OS X, not Windows.
  • oyster, on 01/31/2008, -7/+18Uggg.... Why do people continually compare non-Macs to Macs? Headlines like this are idiotic because people don't use Macs because of the specs of the proc or the speed of the video card. Like it or not, believe it or not, people use Macs because of OS X. If you don't, then you've made your choice and that's fine. But the point of the Mac is the OS. And since nothing else runs OS X, there will never be a "Macbook Killer" or an "iMac Killer" and to say that some cheap PC with a bunch of features is a "iMac Killer" is like saying a fully loaded Ford is a BMW killer. The Ford may have more features, and it may cost less...and you may even think that people who drive BMWs are idiot snobs who have no sense of how to spend their money wisely. But it doesn't matter!

    And anyway...why does anyone care about killing the iMac? Its a computer, for pity sake. Why can't the headline be "Asus builds cool machine"? Why must something be getting killed? Thats moronic!!!
    • insllvn, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3"Like it or not, believe it or not, people use Macs because of OS X."

      What was it before OSX, when Mac OS sucked?
    • blackjack75, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Why?

      Because if they compared them to Dell's you wouldn't have clicked the link to this page. Would you?
  • HenryBored, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Finally! I'm ordering one for Grandpa.
    • TheBigSquid, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2I hope it has a large hard drive. Your grandpa is an internet porn hound.
      • cthellis, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2Well, not EVERYONE'S grandma is German and goes through a scat phase...
        • Barclay1188, on 01/31/2008, -3/+1A sprinkle of old age, a dash of scat, and a hint of possible personal history, and viola! You have an awkward comment!
  • thomas, on 01/31/2008, -5/+6How is it going to kill the iMac when it will have a slower processor and graphics card?
    • bowe, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2Faster operating system aka linux, less bloat, and most importantly a much lower price. I mean it's 1/2 to 1/3 the price of the imac, isn't that obvious? How fast a processor do you really need. I think people are starting to realize that supercomputing power isn't necessary for web browsing, email, music, or word processing. What you'd be getting may be last year's technology, but if it was good enough last year it's probably still good enough today.
    • Kingoftherings, on 02/18/2008, -0/+0What are you doing on a Mac that needs that much power? Rendering Video?
  • AgentEntropy, on 01/31/2008, -0/+19As an Eee owner I have to say, anyone that thinks that the E-Monitor is going to compete with iMacs is very mistaken. If it's anything like the Eee, you can expect the E-Monitor to be a great product for what it is, which is likely an inexpensive but well made all-in-one PC aimed at a market that Apple just isn't interested in. For what it will do, it'll probably do it very well, but no one should expect it to do all of the same things that an iMac can do (I'd be happy to be wrong about that). I doubt I'll be purchasing an E-Monitor but I'll definitely be keeping my eye out for them. Btw, I love my Eee, and I'd definitely recommend it to anyone that is considering one.
  • EmitStop, on 01/31/2008, -1/+13Dugg for the cleavage in the picture.
  • ronmojohny, on 01/31/2008, -1/+7Apples and Oranges (Apples and Asus's)
    • victorc26, on 01/31/2008, -0/+5Well, considering Asus makes the logic boards and the Notebook lines (Macbook, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, etc), I'd say they're closer related than you think.
  • YodaJones, on 01/31/2008, -1/+2I like the 24 inch iMac a lot, but this would be nice too.
  • salinemist, on 01/31/2008, -0/+3What E-TV will kill is cable. I want one of these!
  • Insanitation, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4I dont want any product to kill any of its competitors. Its the competition that is driving companies to sell the same product for less.
  • LastDitchHero, on 01/31/2008, -2/+5This is a huge win for Linux acceptance will make more companies put out more Linux hardware and software. Can't wait to see how this will make other manufacturers respond with their own affordable Linux designs.
  • Maegashira, on 01/31/2008, -7/+3picture of iMac replasement or GTFO
  • vancanucksfan, on 01/31/2008, -11/+6macs and ipods are for image obsessed idiots. yeah let me pay 5 times more for this machine so i can be tres chic. get a grip people
    • oyster, on 01/31/2008, -3/+0OK...quick math. A base level iMac is $1,199. By your claim, an equivalent non-Mac is 1/5th that cost, making it $239. Anyone know of a dual layer equipped, 20" display Core2Duo system for $239? Right.

      A 4GB Nano is $149. Again, by your math, a similar non-Apple device is $29.80. Videos, TV shows, music, contacts, calendar, color games...all for $29. Anyone?

      Asshat. At most, Apple's computers cost a couple hundred bucks more for equivalent hardware. And they run an OS that many people (GASP!) prefer, for some distinctly legitimate reasons. And the iPod and Zune are the same damn price ($249 for 80GB from both companies). Where's the hate for Microsoft? Oh wait...you're a stupid jackass. Sorry...I forgot.

      Let me guess...you only drive sensible cars, and use the most basic kitchen equipment too, right? Wouldn't want to buy more than just the basics, would you? That might make you image obsessed!
      • bowe, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1so if this thing is 500 bucks and the imac is 1199. That's 140% more than the Asus model. I think the original poster was just exaggerating and didn't intend for you to take him seriously.
  • Zneo11, on 01/31/2008, -9/+17You can't have a mac killer that doesn't run OSX.
    • infiniphunk, on 01/31/2008, -6/+8you need to broaden your horizons I think.
      • blackjack75, on 01/31/2008, -1/+1Why do some guys assume that every mac users has never known anything else? From the C64 to modern days I have seen many operating systems pass by. I had experience with pre-OSX macs and thought they sucked (in the 90's), I used a PC because there wasn't much choice for years whlie experimenting with Slackware and the following linux distributions.

        I like linux and all (used it nearly exclusively for about a year) . But I like it especially in theory. In practice I am so glad to use OSX everyday that it easily overcomes its negative sides (overhyped and proprietary).

        The day I feel Ubuntu is the right choice for my mom I'll probably go back to using Linux on a more regular basis for my main machine. Until then, it works pretty well for what it's designed: our web servers.
    • bowe, on 01/31/2008, -3/+13do multiple buttons confuse you? Are you afraid of having too many application choices? It's okay come out of the darkness.
      • grimw, on 01/31/2008, -9/+3Does knowing your operating systems confuse you? Does knowing your hardware confuse you? It's okay; come out of the darkness.

        Here in Mac land (and yes, I use PCs at work and for certain home projects), we can right-click on the trackpad using two fingers. We also have this whole pile of software... something about Macports?

        Sarcastic idiot made of major fail is you!
        • insllvn, on 01/31/2008, -0/+4For what feels like the hundredth ***** time, when we make fun of you for not being able to right click, an acceptable retort is not to provide the workaround that had to be implemented because an overabundance of buttons molested a young Steve Jobs. Do your basic mice have two buttons? Oh they don't? And your laptops, do they have two buttons? Not them either?
        • Acolyte357, on 02/01/2008, -0/+4"Does knowing your operating systems confuse you?" Nope. Thats why I love linux, How do you like the Distro you paid for?
          "Does knowing your hardware confuse you?" Nope. That's why I don't get over charged for it.
    • jetsetter883, on 01/31/2008, -1/+5it'd be worth a lot less than $500 with OSX on it! lolololol
    • JorgeGT, on 01/31/2008, -0/+1Doesn't it has a x86 CPU? Doesn't OSX run on x86 CPUs?
    • Joners, on 01/31/2008, -0/+2On that same basis then you can never compare a windows pc to a mac, mac in your example can never be better than windows, and on the same note windows can never be better than mac.

      Im so glad that you around to help solve all the issues of MS/Mac fanboyism and make this a non-issue....
    • collywolly, on 02/05/2008, -0/+1I think Windows was the original Mac killer years ago.

      Did MS not by a large share of Apple to keep them going......?
  • z28com, on 01/31/2008, -2/+2I could have bought FOUR Dell computers for what I paid for my Mac system. It's just like they said... it's OS X that makes the difference. I convinced two friends to buy Macs this month and both of them absolutely love it and tell me that can't believe they didn't buy one a long time ago.
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