14 DAY TRIAL // According to recent details in the industry, Acer, one of the leading notebook makers, is expected to release a new 11.6-inch portable computer system, which the company plans to debut sometime in the second half of 2009. Initially, said notebook was expected to reach record shipments of 150,000-200,000 units and compete with a similar product due to be released by the worldwide leading maker of portable computer systems, HP.
Hewlett-Packard was initially expected to debut its 11.6-inch notebook by the end of this year, but the company appears to have postponed the release. According to a recent news-article on Digitimes, the main reason for the delay of the 11.6-inch laptop is the reduced market demand that has led HP to schedule the mass shipment of the model for the first half of 2009. The release will provide Acer with critical information regarding the potential of the market, which in turn will allow the PC maker to adjust its product line accordingly.
The news regarding Acer's alleged 11.6-inch notebook appears to be confirmed by a reported order, on the part of the company, to AU Optronics, for the panels of said notebook. Regarding the system manufacturing, Wistron is likely to be selected by the PC maker for this model.
HP is projecting shipments of over one million units in 2009, a number considerably higher than that of Acer, which expects its 11.6-inch notebook to account for only 0.5% of its annual shipment goal of 32-33 million units. Acer is said to be focusing on a 16:9 aspect ration and 15.6-inch panels for its mainstream notebook specifications in 2009. These will account for over 30% of the company's notebook shipments for the upcoming year.
In the netbook sector, Acer expects to ship nine million units in 2009, which will become available in 10.1-inch and 10.2-inch form factors.