ASUS names Myer stores for Australian Linux Eee PC push

Stan Beer
Tuesday, 20 November 2007 16:53

Your IT - Home IT

Taiwanese PC vendor ASUS has chosen Myer as its primary retailer for its new fast selling Linux sub-notebook the Eee PC. The Eee PC will be available for the Christmas shopping season at Myer Sydney from 1 December 2007 and Myer stores nationally from 2 December 2007, with a recommended retail price of AUD$499.

The Eee PC has caused a stir in the portable computing space, not least because it is the first Linux personal computer to make an impact in the mainstream consumer space. According to Asus, the company is selling a Eee PC, which a customised version of the Xandros Linux distribution, every six seconds, which equates to about 100,000 a week.

Myer, one of Australia's largest retail store chains, represents an interesting choice for Asus, being a general retailer that sells a wide range of consumer goods rather than a specialist electronics or computer store.
 
Ted Chen, Managing Director of ASUS Australia, said, “ASUS is very excited with the release of the Eee PC to the retail market. Myer is a market leader in Australian retailing and we are thrilled to be partnering with them. ASUS have heard Australian consumers’ calls and with Myer’s support we will be able to distribute the Eee PC to the wider consumer community.”
 
The revolutionary Eee PC is a new line of PC – a lifestyle gadget designed for internet access and learning. Its marketing strategy is based on the three Es: Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play; and is designed to provide users with a range of internet applications and excellent mobile online experience.
 
George Papacosta, National Electrical Merchandise Manager of Myer, said, “Myer is pleased to have been selected as ASUS’ partner of choice in supplying the Eee PC to its customers. With the holidays on the horizon, we foresee the Eee PC will be high on this year’s Christmas lists, as it is affordable and a definite must have.”
 
Philip Cronin, General Manager of Intel Australia & New Zealand, said, “Intel is a proud supporter of ASUS and we see the Eee PC as fundamental to expanding the market to school children for affordable computing devices. ASUS have been instrumental in creating products for this segment of the market and Intel is pleased to have been involved with the development of the Eee PC, ensuring that parents have a choice when it comes to deciding which notebook is right for their child.”
 
“Education is the key to Australian children’s future and the emergence of the ASUS Eee PC will ensure that more Australian children can afford to be part of the digital future”.
 
The much anticipated diminutive Eee PC is highly portable with its most attractive feature being affordability. Linux advocates and commentators also view the Eee PC as a break through device for bringing Linux to the masses, something which to date has eluded other Linux-based computers.