Asustek unveils 12-inch screen tablet, e-reader

IDG News Service - Asustek Computer on Monday unveiled two Eee Pad tablets running Windows software and an e-reader, the Eee Tablet, with a note-taking function.

The Eee Pad EP121 sports a 12-inch touchscreen and has Microsoft's Windows 7 Home Premium operating system and an Intel Core 2 Duo processor inside. The device is meant for Internet access, watching videos and other multimedia uses, computing and as an e-reader, the company said in a news release.

People can input data on the device using the on-screen keyboard or by typing on a keyboard that the Eee Pad docks onto. Asustek says the device can run for 10-hours before needing a recharge.

The other iPad-style device on show by Asustek has a 10-inch touchscreen and uses Microsoft's Windows Embedded Compact 7 software. The device is 12.2-millimeters thick and weighs 675 grams, designed thin and light for easy mobility.

The company's e-reader, named the Eee Tablet, is designed for digital note-taking in addition to reading e-books. Asustek has sought to make the device a more educational tool by putting a 2-megapixel camera on board so students can take pictures of lecture slides as well, and sync the device to a laptop or desktop via a USB port or by using Micro SD cards.

Students can use the stylus for digital note-taking on the device's touchscreen. Asustek says the screen was designed so a user feels like they're writing on paper.

The Asustek Eee Pad EP121