Asus EeePad to Take on Apple iPad in Japan

Asus has announced the forthcoming EeePad which will be the netbook giant’s entry into the touchpad or tablet computer market. It seeks to improve upon the iPad’s design with several features not found on the iPad, or only available as paid upgrades or accessories. There are scheduled to be two versions, one with a 10 inch screen and another with a 12 inch screen.

The 12″ screen EeePad docks with a keyboard by default making it a de facto notebook computer when used as a stationary device. The screen can be detatched and then used as a tablet when on the go.

The EeePad is scheduled to be released in Taiwan and the United States sometime between January and March of 2011. It is scheduled for release in Japan sometime after that. The price is expected to run between $399 to $449. Buyers may also have a choice between the Android Operating system and Windows 7, although this is not absolutely confirmed.

Acer also claims to have an Android based tablet PC in the works, although there are still not many details available.

Here is a video of the Asus 12 inch EeePad.