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Acer says new `Aspire' range will boost growth

Acer Inc, the world's third-largest computer maker, is looking forward to a solid growth in notebook shipments, thanks to a new design revamp which will boost the average selling price (ASP), company executives said.

"The new look will help us maintain our current notebook ASP, or even likely increase it," said Jim Wong (翁建仁), president of Acer's IT products business group.

He refused to reveal figures, but said that the new notebook designs would help Acer machines -- known for their affordability compared to rivals -- appeal to more trendy and fashion-conscious consumer users.

After launching its previous "Folio" design three years ago, Acer unveiled a brand new "Gemstone" design for its "Aspire" consumer notebook lineup yesterday.

The products will be sold at a higher price range compared with earlier Folio computers, Wong said. The new 14-inch, 15-inch and 17-inch models will hit shelves worldwide later this month, he said.

The Gemstone-concept notebooks have a dark, satin-finish sub-layer with the Acer logo floating above like a holographic projection.

They also have a jewel-like inlay for the Aspire nameplate and a ceramic keyboard texture for a comfort feel.

Also new is the inclusion of the Dolby Home Theater system, producing virtual surround sound.

Acer chairman Wang Jeng-tang (王振堂) said the new looks will make Acer the industry leader in notebook design.

"In order to change an icy cold tech product into something stylish, design is key," he said.

Wang said that commercial notebooks are expected to account for 60 percent of all of the companies notebook sales this year, with consumer sales making up the rest, giving Acer more room to improve its consumer segment share.

Its consumer notebook shipments next year are predicted to rise to 10 million units, double the amount this year, he said.

During the first quarter, Acer surpassed Lenovo Group Ltd (聯想) to become the world's No. 3 PC maker, reporting the strongest growth among the top five makers at 46.1 percent from a year ago, Gartner Inc said.
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