With Asustek rolling out cheaper models with more features, such as the $375 Asus Eee PC 1000HE, and with Acer dropping the starting price on the 8.9″ Acer Aspire One, it was bound to happen that they would either drop some models or reduce the prices.
A few weeks ago Asustek’s CEO said they would be reducing the number of Eee PC models. Today, several online retailers in the United States started listing $100 rebates for certain Asus Eee PC 901 models. It covers both the 12GB Solid State Drive (SSD) versions as well as the 20GB versions (12GB SSD = Windows XP Home, 20GB SSD = Linux). From what I’ve seen, the rebates end March 8, 2009.
Some Examples (all prices are after rebates):
– Amazon.com – EEEPC901-W001 – Linux, White, 20GB SSD, $267.99
– Amazon.com – EEEPC901-BK002X – Windows XP, Fine Ebony, 12GB SSD, $279.99
– Amazon.com – All Eee PC 901 models
– Buy.com – EEEPC901-BK001 – Fine Ebony, Linux, 20GB SSD, $269.95
– Buy.com – EEEPC901-BK002X – Fine Ebony, Windows XP, 12GB SSD, $279.99
– OnSale.com – EEEPC901-BK001 – Linux, 20GB SSD, Fine Ebony, $268.99
– OnSale.com – EEEPC901-BK002X – Windows XP, 12GB SSD, $266.99
Specifications: Intel Atom 1.6GHz CPU, 1GB RAM, 12GB or 20GB Solid State Drive (SSD), 802.11b/g/n, Bluetooth, Linux or Windows XP, 6-cell Battery
I’m leaning towards them trying to clear out some models, either because of competing with the Asus Eee PC 1000HE as far as price, or perhaps introducing new models within a month or two, perhaps with the new chiclet-style keyboards that are popping up on the 1000HE and the Eee PC T91 or with more flash-based storage.
Keep in mind that CeBIT 2009 is next week, and Asustek is bound to be introducing a few new models.
via PortableMonkey