Acer is preparing to launch Intel Calpella platform-based notebooks featuring ultra-thin designs in the second quarter, of which, Wistron will manufacture 13-inch models and Quanta Computer 14- and 15-inch models, according to sources from notebook makers.
Acer has codenamed the notebook series Calpella Slim and related notebooks will be less than one-inch thick at their thinnest point. Acer is expected to drop the price of its current ultra-thin notebooks to make them cheaper than Calpella Slim models to separate the two product lines. Acer is also considering pushing Calpella Slim-based notebooks as its major products in the future, the sources noted.
Acer chairman JT Wang recently said that ultra-thin notebooks using Intel's CULV processors which are designed for the segment are seeing lower than expected sales due to underwhelming performance in the eyes of consumers. The move to using mainstream CPUs in ultra-thin designs aims to combine the benefits of higher performance with improved portability.
Wang estimated that ultra-thin models will account for 30-40% of Acer's notebook shipments in 2010, equivalent to about 13-18 million units. Market watchers estimated that the new models could reach shipments of over 10 million units.
Calpella Slim notebooks are expected to boost Wistron's notebook shipments by 30% on month as well as help Quanta see a significant on-month growth in March.
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