14 DAY TRIAL // Now that the netbook market has actually started to settle down, no longer growing in share as quickly as it did over the past year, PC suppliers, especially those that rely heavily on mobile PCs, are somewhat changing their strategies. Dell and HP, for instance, have already reduced their investments in this sector. ASUS, on the other hand, hasn't suggested any intention of backing out, but it seems that, at least for now, it will focus on Calpella-based notebooks instead.
During Softex Taipei (April 8-12), ASUS will reportedly have on display a number or Intel Calpella-based notebook PCs, including the 15.6-inch N61J and the 14-inch N82J which, to take appeal to an even higher level, also boast support for the speedy USB 3.0 interface. The Taiwanese company plans to introduce a number of extra Calpella laptops, with the ultimate goal being to sell so many of them that they will account for 20% of its total notebook sales in the second quarter. Furthermore, the PC supplier intends to ship 20% more notebooks at Softex Taipei than it did last year.
The company's shift in focus will have a significant effect on one of its other business endeavors. Its entry-level K Series notebooks, currently manufactured by Foxconn Electronics, will gradually drop from a 40% to a 30% share, in order to help it remain profitable.
Besides launching new Calpella notebooks, which are expected to have prices between US$1,045 and 1,679, ASUS will also reportedly introduce a number of fresh Eee PCs and three Garmin-ASUS handsets (including the M10). Furthermore, its Eee Top line will see the addition of the 20-inch Eee Top 2010 PNT and will be aimed only at educational and procurement markets, with only 500,000 shipments projected for 2010. Finally, the PC maker will also put together a six-core-powered desktop, for the enthusiast market.