Since the launch of Apple iPad last year, we have seen a number of tablets hitting the market. While none of those tablets could meet
the success tasted by iPad, a few them managed to have reasonable success. But Asus Eee Pad has surpassed all of them. On its launch, the tablet sold out and was backordered. The company is now looking to sell 300,000 Eee Pad Transformers this month. Asus had sold 400,000 units in the months of April and May. With these figures, Eee Pad Transformer is now the #2 best selling tablet, behind Apple iPad.
Asus also ramped up its production facilities. After initial stock outs, the tablet is now easily available through various outlets such as Best Buy. The tablet has some impressive features and unlike some other tablets such as Motorola Xoom, it is a reasonably priced tablet. The entry level 16 GB model has been priced at $399.
Stoked by its success, Asus is now planning the second iteration of the tablet. The current version of Eee Pad runs on Android, however, the platform may change for Eee Pad2. According to the rumors, the company is contemplating using Windows 8 for the second version tablet. Microsoft is planning to launch Windows 8 as an all purpose operating system for desktops and mobile devices. The new Windows tablet, expected to be launched some time in 2012, is expected to be priced higher than the Android model.
Windows 8 was recently demoed and has received mostly positive feedback. Microsoft is also rumored to be working on a self-branded tablet running on this platform. The Redmond company is already late to the tablet party. We just hope that it learns from the mistakes of other tablet makers and does not become a case of 'too little too late'.