The Spring Computer Fair, which is opens on Thursday next week, will showcase nearly 10 branded tablet computers, the Taipei Computer Association (TCA, 台北市電腦公會) said yesterday.
A total of 150 companies will occupy 1,100 booths at this year’s fair, up about 30 percent from last year’s 820 booths, the association said.
“Following the release of the Android 3.0 operating system, many brand vendors are looking to exhibit their first Android-based tablet computer at the fair,” TCA -secretary-general Enoch Du (杜全昌) told a media briefing.
Photo: Chang Chia-ming, Taipei Times
These vendors include Acer Inc (宏碁) and Asustek Computer Inc (華碩電腦), the two largest Taiwan-based PC brands.
Acer plans to launch sales of its first Android-based tablet computer at the fair while exhibiting another Windows-based tablet product, the company said in a press release.
Asustek also expects to start selling its first Android-based Eee Pad Transformer, a tablet product with a detachable keyboard, a company release said.
Although many consumers have expressed interest in tablet computers, Du said a supply shortage could affect sales of tablet computers at the fair.
“Most vendors remain optimistic about sales of tablet computers at the fair, but are uncertain whether they have enough supply to cope with strong demand,” Du said.
Notebook computers — aided by Intel Corp’s latest processor, Sandy Bridge — could therefore continue to lead sales, Du said.
“The new processor doubles PC products’ efficiency and could pique consumers’ interest at the fair,” Du said.
TCA expects the fair to attract 450,000 to 460,000 visitors this year, up from last year’s 430,000.
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