Asus opts for Android instead of Windows CE in Eee Pad tablet

When Taiwanese computer maker Asus first announced its Eee Pad tablets, we were surprised that Google’s Android operating system was nowhere to be seen. Asus had previously announced it would be using Windows Embedded Compact 7 (an updated version of Windows CE) for its 10-inch EP101TC tablet. But now it appears to be switching to Android instead, according to Netbooknews.

Asus is apparently waiting for Android 3.0 (also known as “Gingerbread”) to land this fall. It’s aiming to launch the tablet at the Consumer Electronics Show in the first quarter of 2011 amidst other products.

The company also showed off a 12-inch EP121 tablet running Windows 7 in May. That model will run on an Intel Core 2 Duo CULV processor — the first tablet we’ve seen to do so. There’s no telling yet if Asus will consider including Android on that tablet as well, but considering that Intel is working on Android ports that work on its x86 chip architecture, it’s certainly a possibility.

Some carriers will be receiving units in December to test its 3G capabilities.

That Asus decided to go with Android isn’t a surprise. It’s becoming the go-to choice for tablet operating systems among manufacturers like Dell, Acer, and LG because of its small footprint, and it’s perfectly suited to the tablet form factor since it’s built for touchscreen interaction.

Via Wired Gadget Lab, image via Netbooknews

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Tags: Android, Eee Pad, tablet, Windows, Windows CE