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.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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de5_Roy ReplyAsus plans to maintain profitability by launching several high-performance/price ratio non-ultrabook models in the $499 to $699 price range during 2012.
i hope they succeed. i'd buy a $499 ultrabook if it was good enough.
edit: i can only dream! -
nesk When ultrabooks get into that price range notbooks will sweep the floor with them spec wise at that price.Reply -
burnley14 de5_royi hope they succeed. i'd buy a $499 ultrabook if it was good enough.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.Reply -
de5_Roy Reply
thank you.9332804 said: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.
i blame the number $499. :sleep: guess i didn't notice anything else after seeing that number. hopefully asus builds an ultra(net)book with ivb pentium, 30-40 gb ssd, 4 gb ram and 10" display. -
clivene09 perhaps by 2013. They are talking 2012, so they will have a whole 12 more months to achieve that.Reply -
tlmck I'd settle for a 13", $250 ultrabook that is capable of nothing but surfing the web. That's basically all my netbook does now. I would just like a larger screen.Reply -
sonofliberty08 they should done it long ago, too many models makes customers confuse and don't know which on to pick when browsing their website......Reply
Apple success because apple zombies don't have to think when buying macbook -
rohitbaran de5_roythank you. i blame the number $499. guess i didn't notice anything else after seeing that number. hopefully asus builds an ultra(net)book with ivb pentium, 30-40 gb ssd, 4 gb ram and 10" display.Well, you could always buy Alienware M11x if you want a small but powerful laptop.Reply -
ImThat1Guy Kill netbooks, sure.Reply
But please, ASUS, don't shrink down any of your notebook production!