Announcing some strategic moves that will mark Asustek Computers’ stride into the slate/tablet arena, the company recently revealed its plans of a $1000-priced Windows 7-based slate personal computer later this year; as well as a less expensive device running Google Android OS, and a tablet running Microsoft's Windows Embedded Compact 7.

Going by the details forwarded by the Asus chief executive Jerry Shen, the high-priced tablet PC – dubbed the Eee Pad EP121 – will feature a 12-inch touchscreen, an Intel Core 2 Duo microprocessor, and the Windows 7 OS. The device will be bundled with a docking station that can convert the tablet into a full-blown laptop computer.

Talking to reporters after Asus’ second quarter earnings conference, Shen said: “If you want to compete with the iPad, you have to do more than just be less expensive. You have to offer more features. We want to spend more time perfecting the Eee Pad before we launch.”

However, a lower-priced Eee Pad from Asus is also on the cards for a 2011 first-quarter release. The device, to be powered by Android OS and featuring an ARM architecture-based chip, will be priced at less than $399 and will be directly compete with Apple iPad.

Another Eee Pad in the offing is a device featuring 10-inch touch-screen, an ARM architecture-based microprocessor, and Microsoft’s Windows Embedded Compact 7 OS. The device, priced at between $399 and 499, will be available sometimes in January next year.