Asus to release own-brand MP3 players and maybe LCD displays

The company has not yet decided whether to manufacture the digital music players by itself or outsource the production to other companies, the source noted. Asus will start marketing the MP3 players in October, but the sources added that the company has not yet set a timetable for the launch of its own-brand LCD monitors.

Notebooks and motherboards will continue to drive the company’s revenue growth in 2004 and 2005, the sources said, noting that notebooks and motherboards will account for 33% and 30%, respectively, of Asustek’s total revenues this year. Although graphics cards and optical disc drives (ODDs) only accounted for 7% and 5%, respectively, of revenues last year, the company said these proportions will increase substantially this year.

The sales value of Asustek’s handsets is expected to top NT$2-2.5 billion this year, accounting for 6-8% of its total revenues, according to the sources.