ASUS has big expectations for tablet market in 2013

DigiTimes heard ASUS expects strong tablet shipments in 2013, the company anticipates sales of its tablets will rise from 6.3 million units in 2012 to 12 million units in 2013. In the same timeframe, ASUS anticipates its notebook sales (including netbooks) will hit 24 million, up from 22.3 million units, while motherboard sales are anticipated to remain flat or drop slightly to 21.5 million - 22 million units.

As for the motherboard business, the vendor expects the shipment volume will stay flat or drop slightly on year to 21.5-22 million, but the company will continue to see stable profits from the segment.

For 2012, Asustek expects its notebook shipments to reach 19 million units, up almost 30% from 14.7 million units in 2011, while Eee PC shipments will grow 13.78% on year to 3.3 million units and tablet shipments to grow 250% on year to 6.3 million units. Motherboard shipments will be around 22 million units.

With a strong brand image plus an enhanced retail channel network, Asustek is confident to become the second largest brand vendor in terms of combined shipments of notebook and tablet in 2013, only behind Apple.

Asustek also expects its PadFone series product to have a chance achieving shipments of one million units in 2013.