Fixed Mobile Convergence

While Apple fans everywhere are eagerly awaiting the Saturday launch of the iPadtablet computer, netbook pioneer Asustek Computer plans to debut its own tablet computing devicelater this year.

According to a PC World report, Asustek will unveil its own device at Computex Taipei this June. Asustek is just one of several Taiwanese companies planning to reveal their tablet offerings at the trade show.

The PC World report notes Asustek is working on at least two tablet devices, with a prototype of its first Eee Pad tablet device displayed at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas earlier this year.

The company is planning to launch the final product at Computex that will boast a 10-inch touchscreen, contain Nvidia Tegra 2 chipsand carry Google software. The company has also said it is working on other versions of the Eee Pad that will offer Microsoft Windows and use Intel (News - Alert)Atom microprocessors.

This announcement – along with others from competing companies – has highlighted the impact Apple’s iPad has had throughout the global marketplace. Interestingly, the idea for the tablet has been around for the past decade and Microsoft even included software support for them in Windows Vista, but the concept never caught on.

Apple (News - Alert)is hoping its iPad will change the current market approach to the tablet and given the company’s success with the iPod and the iPhone, many are eagerly anticipating this next release. The question that still remains, however, is whether or not the tablet will offer enough of an appealto draw in those non-Apple users or even those tied into their iPhones exclusively.

While the iPad is being touted by Apple as good for surfing the Web, watching movies, reading books, gaming and for the use of a wide range of software applications, some in the industry wonder if this attempt will go the way of the netbook – good idea, so-so market acceptance.

Chip maker Arm Holdings has released statements from executives that as many as 50 tablet devices could be launched this year. Is the demand truly that strong or do other manufacturers simply want a taste of the Apple success?
HPcertainly does. The company is determinedto take on the iPad with its own Slate. A recent San Francisco Chronicle pieceby Ryan Kim noted that HP has been ramping up its marketing for its upcoming launch and many industry experts expect HP will be able to hold its own against Apple.

The announcementssurrounding the technology available on the iPad – such as direct synching with cloud computing – will certainly help to fuel the anticipation and even adoption. Apple already has a loyal following and the company’s keen approach to customer demands and driving adoption will certainly play in its favor. Will it ultimately emerge the winner? It is still too soon to say.

Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.

Edited by Erik Linask