Asus and Intel have announced a computer that will break almost every price point for basic computers sold today and will be aimed at consumers on a budget. It is designed mostly for internet browsing and word processing. The laptop is only 7 inches and sports a standard keyboard, wifi, 512 MB of RAM, 4/8/16 GB flash memory hard drive options, a webcam and only weighs 2 lbs. The laptop also features an SD slot for expandable storage space.

The laptop will run either Windows XP Home or Linux and has an easymode which strips the OS to basic functions such as email or internet. The name “Eee” comes from Asus’s claim that this computer is easy for anyone to use. They coined the term, “easy to learn, easy to play, easy to work.”

You can already order the laptop from amazon and will compete directly with Palm’s folio and Via’s Nanobook.

I’ve been noticing alot of ultra portable laptops hitting the market lately and feel this is a great way for manufacturers to start going. Alot of consumer need a computer just for word processing and internet access which makes almost any computer over $500 overkill. Here is a great solution for tight budget business email or the strapped for cash college student. Another nice thing is the design of the unit… It’s actually quite appealing with the Macesque appearance.