14 DAY TRIAL // Acer, one of the world's leading vendors of netbooks and portable computer systems, is reportedly planning the launch of a new 11.6-inch Timeline ultrathin portable PC, further expanding the company's new family of ultraportable laptops. The launch of the new system is said to bring about the phasing out of the company's 11.6-inch Aspire One netbook, which has recorded lower-than-expected sales. The new Timeline laptop is scheduled to arrive later in July, with OEM production to be handled by Quanta Computer.
Taking into consideration the success it had with its 8.9-inch Aspire One netbook, Acer launched several new designs earlier this year, including the 11.6-inch AO751 model. The system has been equipped with a low-power version of Intel's Atom processor family, the Z520, and an 11.6-inch display. According to previous reports, the success rate of the AO751 has been below expectations, consequently leading Acer to reduce orders to Quanta.
According to a recent news-article on Digitimes citing industry sources in Taiwan, the upcoming Timeline laptop is designed as a substitute to the company's 11.6-inch netbook. Unfortunately, there are no specific details regarding the technical specifications of said laptop, raising several questions regarding the platform Acer plans to adopt. Current Timeline laptops are available in 13.3-inch, 14-inch and 15.6-inch form factors, with prices starting at US$598. The new ultraportable Timeline series will likely be priced similarly to current models, but will provide users with a higher level of portability.
The new laptop is reportedly scheduled to launch in July, with Quanta Computer landing the manufacturing rights. Details regarding the system's overall specifications and pricing are yet to be unveiled. The launch of said Timeline laptop could enable Acer to better distinguish its ultrathin line from its netbook line of PCs.