With launch of Apple's iPad arousing global PC makers' concerns about tablet PCs, Acer and Asus, two Taiwan-based, world-caliber PC brands, have both planned to release own-brand models to cash in on the segment.
Acer and Asus, along with Taiwanese contract suppliers as Quanta Computer Inc., Compal Electronics Inc. and Wistron Corp., have been reportedly engaged in the development of tablet PCs since Apple debuted its iPad, which has proven a hot-seller among consumers. Industry insiders have revealed that the two brands' models are undergoing tests and may be launched in the third quarter of this year.
The two brands' tablet PCs are believed to be not only more economical, but also more functional than Apple's competing model, as they will likely sell for less than US$400 per unit and feature beefed-up specifications and performance.
In fact, tablet PCs have been available in the market for years since Microsoft came up with the world's first model in 2002, which, unfortunately, failed to be popular due mainly to its extremely high unit price, poor software compatibility and bulky exterior. But, Apple's iPad is believed to be successful, as the brand has been regarded as a technology bellwether in the PC industry, according to industry insiders. This has driven a number of PC brands to resume development of tablet PCs recently.
However, J.T. Wang, chairman of Acer, also warned that PC brands may not outdo Apple in the tablet PC market as easily as expected, unless they come up with better integrated solutions of software and application services for their models, mainly because Apple's iPad is highly evaluated for its system integration capability |
