Monday 22 February 2010

ASUS Eee PC 1201N netbook. Why are we waiting?

The potentially mould-breaking ASUS Eee PC 1201N netbook was released in the US during November (or possibly even October) which allowed a lucky few living on the other side of the pond to find one under the Christmas tree.

Fine, ASUS have to roll out their shipments and as I assume that the US is the largest market, it is only natural that they come first. As for the UK, an initial availability date was set for January. Indeed, Amazon UK listed this netbook on the 6th January with an initial delivery estimate of '1 to 3 months'.

Yet here we are on the brink of March and they are still as rare as rocking horse s**t, with Amazon STILL quoting '1 to 3 months' estimated delivery. Quite why the estimate cannot be any more accurate than that escapes me.

Come on ASUS, pull your finger out. Why does it take FOUR MONTHS (at least) longer to release it over here?

UPDATE 01/03/2010:
Well, the first of March is here, and still no sign of this netbook appearing in the UK. In fact, a review of various online sellers show that shipping dates are slipping even further, and yup, Amazon still shows '1 to 3 months'. Unbelievable.

UPDATE 26/03/2010:
Finally, FINALLY got this delivered after much shenanigans with Amazon UK's delivery agent HDNL (Home Delivery Network Limited.) Tales of woe include 'unable to find address', 'delivery van breakdown' and 'unable to contact driver'. I was almost too scared to open the box in case I found something else entirely within it. However, it is all present and correct.