Acer, Asus May Shrink 2012 Notebook, Netbook Lines
Consumers will probably see fewer notebooks and netbooks from Acer and Asus in 2012 to make decision-making simpler.
Acer and Asus are reportedly taking a cue from Apple and will simplify their notebook and netbook lines for 2012. According to original design manufacturer (ODM) contractors, the two want to trim costs and improve their overall profit by having fewer but clearer models, reducing inventory risks. They are also seeking to raise brand power in 2012 by offering focused products rather than a wide spread.
One of the factors in this decision is the emerging ultrabook market. Contractors claim that Asus already has at least 50 notebook and netbook projects on the table, but these will reportedly be thinned out to squeeze in ultrabook development over the next three years. These ultrabooks will supposedly be crammed within its mid-range notebook projects.
For the beginning of 2012, Asus is expected to reduce the number of Eee PC models down from ten to just a maximum of five. These will be divided by entry-level, mid-range and high-end designs. However the number may be reduced even more in the second half of 2012.
Sources also claim that Asus plans to maintain profitability by launching several high-performance/price ratio non-ultrabook models in the $499 to $699 price range during 2012. The company also plans to focus on high-end performance gaming notebooks for the gamer-on-the-go.
As for Acer, ODM contractors said the company will focus on competitive and profitable products in 2012 rather than launch numerous projects. Like Asus, Acer too wants to reduce its number of notebook projects by 3Q12.
i hope they succeed. i'd buy a $499 ultrabook if it was good enough.
edit: i can only dream!
I think you misread the text you quoted: it says non-ultrabook models at $499. Ultrabooks will likely always be a high-priced commodity, I would imagine.
thank you.
i blame the number $499.
Apple success because apple zombies don't have to think when buying macbook
Well, you could always buy Alienware M11x if you want a small but powerful laptop.
But please, ASUS, don't shrink down any of your notebook production!
Are they planning to release one netbook, one notebook and one AIO PC per year or something?
I mean.. What's the point of shrinking your line if local retailers only have one or two different models from that manufacturer anyway?
There are more then 6 PC shops within a 20km radius where I live, nobody sells more than two or three variants of ASUS computers. :\
Because where you live = The world
Right?
Normally where I live they push out the newest technology pretty fast, I mean hey we got the iPhone 4S before the rest of the world, right?
If that's not enough, Samsung was willing to create a whole new tablet PC JUST for the Australian market. Plus there's that Windows 7 Samsung tablet I've seen in-store that nobody seems to have heard of yet..