The Asus Eee PC is a subnotebook/netbook computer line from ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated, and a part of the Asus Eee product family. At the time of its introduction in late 2007, it was noted for its combination of a light weight, GNU/Linux operating system, solid-state drive (SSD), and relatively low cost. Newer models added the options of MS Windows operating system, rotating media hard disk drives (HDD) and initially retailed for up to 500 euros.
The first Eee PC was a milestone in the personal computer business, launching the netbook category of small, low cost laptops in the West — in Japan, subnotebooks had long been a staple in computing. According to Asus, the name Eee derives from "the three Es," an abbreviation of its advertising slogan for the device: "Easy to learn, Easy to work, Easy to play".
ASUSTeK Computer Incorporated (Chinese: 華碩電腦股份有限公司; pinyin: Huáshuò Diànnaǒ Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī, lit. Great Splendid Computer Corporation) is a multinational computer technology and consumer electronics product manufacturer headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. Its product range includes motherboards, desktops, laptops, monitors, tablet PCs, servers and mobile phones. The company also produces components for other manufacturers, including Dell, Falcon Northwest, Hewlett-Packard and Apple Inc..
Sometimes identified by its brand name ASUS (English pronunciation: /ˈeɪsʉs/), the company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (LSE: ASKD) and the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE: 2357). As of 26 November 2009 (2009 -11-26)[update], 29.2% of PCs sold in the previous 12 months worldwide came with an ASUS motherboard. The company's 2009 revenues reached US$21.2 billion.