1st Billion Reached - Is Asus still targeting the 2nd Billion?

According to Reuters, a new Gartner study indicates the number of personal computers in use around the world has surpassed 1 billion, with strong growth in emerging markets set to double the number of PCs by early 2014. In addition, mature markets accounted for 58% of the 1st billion but would only account for about 30% of the 2nd billion.

This is basically in line with Asus' initial announcement of targeting th 2nd billion with its Eee PC line. However inasmuch as price is a critical consideration for this target market (3rd world countries, people who previously can't afford computers, etc.), Asus' recent introduction of higher priced models seem to indicate the company is headed towards the opposite direction. Unless of course, it continues to sell the original 701 line and hopefully at a reduced price.

Otherwise, come school opening this fall, the market might just crown a new leader in this emergent low-cost subnotebook segment.