Nine-inch Asus Eee not doomed after all?

Firm may sell mini laptops to schools

By James Sherwood • Get more from this author

8th April 2009 00:02 GMT

Asus may continue to sell some 8.9in netbooks - despite previous hints from senior management that the company might kill them off in favour of 10in models.

According to Chinese-language newspaper the Economic Daily News, by way of DigiTimes, the firm’s decided to retain its 8.9in netbook line for the “procurement market”.

Essentially, that means big-volume purchases, by corporations or educational establishments, for example.

Asus' 8.9in Eee PC and friend: ready for procurement?

Many thought Asus had all but signed the death knell for its 8.9in machines. The firm’s CEO, Jerry Shen, was reported to have said last year that such a move was in the works – although the company’s UK division later claimed he was misquoted.

However, Benson Lin, President of Asus' Asia-Pacific operation, was reported in February as saying the 8.9in Eees will be completely phased out during 2009.

Asus is expected to focus on selling 10in machines to the consumers, while its 7in models will be pitched at telcos looking to bundle the machines with 3G data contracts. ®