Mobile Advisor

Asus today announced that it has chosen Myer as the Australian retailer for its portable Eee PC.

The lightweight, low cost laptop will be available from 2 December, 2007 at Myer stores nationwide for a recommended retail price of $499.

The Eee PC is aimed at the education market and its name is based on three Es: Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play.

It features wireless Internet access, a flash storage drive in place of a hard drive, and a tough lightweight design.

The first Eee PCs run a Linux-based operating system; however Asus is expected to offer versions running Windows.

Managing director of Asus Australia, Ted Chen, said that Asus hopes to bring the Eee PC to a wide range of Australian consumers.

As well as offering an affordable alternative to lower income families, Asus is also marketing the product towards travelers, students and workers who are constantly on the move, suggesting the Eee PC could be used as a second or backup computer.

"We see the Eee PC as fundamental to expanding the market to school children for affordable computing devices," said Intel Australia and New Zealand GM, Phillip Cronin, whose chips are fitted inside the computer.

The Eee PC will be first available at Myer Sydney from 1 December, and Myer stores nationwide the following day.