Posted on Thursday, January 17 2008 @ 14:05 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
As the Asus Eee PC is such a big success more and more firms are jumping on the train. Yesterday we heard Acer is developing cheap notebooks and today
DigiTimes writes we can also expect 7" to 9" low-cost notebooks from Gigabyte:
The low-cost PC will support Intel's Basic Platform and feature a panel size of 7- to 9-inch, Ma detailed. Prior to the launch of the low-cost PC, Ma updated that Gigabyte will roll out Menlow-based mobile Internet device (MID) and ultra-mobile PC (UMPC) products in April. Having its presence in notebooks and portable devices strengthened, Ma said Gigabyte is likely to see its notebook business unit swing to profit in 2008.
Regarding corresponding production partners, Ma said Gigabyte will design and manufacture the low-cost PC itself. Arima Computer will be the OEM for UMPC production and Compal Electronics and Quanta Computer will remain as notebook OEMs, he detailed.
While component shortages previously affected notebook production, Ma indicated that supply for 7- to 9-inch panels is satisfactory, although a shortage of 14- and 15-inch panels is expected this year. Gigabyte is well-prepared in regards to its notebook component inventory and the company is confident that its shipments will not be affected, he stressed.
