Chicago (IL) – The world's #3 PC manufacturer plans on releasing a 10.2” netbook and an all-in-one desktop computer, which will go head-to-head with Asus and Apple. The company said that the netbook, scheduled for a 2009 release, is meant to take on  Asus' popular Eee netbooks, adding that its system will be "different." There is no confirmation on Acer's low-cost all-in-one desktop, which is expected to compete with both the iMac and Asus' touch-enabled Eee Top system, but sources claim that this PC is prepared for launch as well.

The new netbook will expand the company’s netbook offering, which currently consists of just one product, the 8.9” Aspire One, arguably one of the most compelling products of its kind currently on the U.S. market. However, some vendors have begun phasing out 7”, 8”, and 9” displays in favor of 10.2” devices with a horizontal screen resolution of 1024 pixels. Since most web pages are optimized for this width, a 10.2” netbook lets users view entire the width of a web page without horizontal scrolling. Among others, Asus recently said it has no plans to offer a 7” screen EeePC in the future due to declining demand.

 Acer's officials confirmed that the company will release a 10.2” netbook to better compete with netbooks from its closest rival Asus. Acer noted that the system will be "different" from similar systems offered by Asus. People familiar with the matter claim that the Intel Atom powered system will be branded as an N-series netbook. It will come with Vista pre-installed and will support hard drives with up to 320 GB of storage space. Pricing is expected to be in the $500, up about $100 - $150 from the current Aspire One.

Acer said that it plans on selling six million Aspire One units for 2008, compared with Asus' five million EeePC estimate.
 
Unconfirmed reports also expect Acer to launch a low-cost all-in-one desktop system to compete with Apple's iMac sometime next year. The system will also challenge Asus, whose touch-enabled Eee Top will head into low-end iMac territory as well. Earlier this year, Asus announced plans to expand the Eee brand beyond the netbook.

AMD here we come!!!

Dec 02, 2008 12:14     

Quite sure this will be on a AMD new platform using a single core BGA processer, etc.... If priced with in the lines of say a ASUS 1000H i just may buy it...!!!
ajai report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +5

Another PAYSTAR???

Dec 02, 2008 16:00     

By "iMac Clone" they mean that will run OS X? or just look like a iMac? How did the Apple vs Paystar ended? I really would like to build my own mac and not wait until Apple came with a better and cheaper machine.
Peter the Great report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Apple won v Pystar

Dec 02, 2008 17:19     

Im pretty sure. Check TG archives, thats where I read it.
Christopher report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

A healthy market competition

Dec 02, 2008 21:27     

Acer & Asus might set very healthy trend for all.
Mat report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Unless it runs OS X it will not challenge the iMac

Dec 03, 2008 02:32     

The iMac runs OS X, whatever Asus will offer does not and will not. So this will not be a clone to challenge Apple on any front other that ripping on their industrial design.
david report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

A netbook with Vista?!?

Dec 03, 2008 04:13     

Yeah, 1 "sale" for Microsoft statistics... ¬¬ Gimme XP/Ubuntu!
nke report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

AMD Netbook?

Dec 03, 2008 09:17     

If it does use AMD cpu, I would go for it. I prefer AMD based computers. I have an AMD Acer Aspire 3040 notebook computer. I prefer a non-Win os. I like using eComStation. :) http://www.ecomstation.com I have Ubuntu on my EEE PC. http://www.ubuntu.com :) Once ReactOS gets to 1.0, I will try it on my Acer Aspire 3040. :) http://www.reactos.org
TomLeeM/BigWarpGuy report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

VIA or ARM system?

Dec 08, 2008 13:18     

Acer could use VIA Nano Isaiah cpu (not the old C7) and vx880 chipset for ultra-low power consumption. They could also use ARM platform. I think the AMD one is not competitive enough. They could also use an Ubuntu distribution for ARM platform.
albedo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0