Acer joins sub-Rs 50K notebook war with nine models

MUMBAI

The notebook market in the country is heating up as summer draws near. After launching a sub-Rs 50K notebook in September 2003, Acer is now enticing consumers with nine laptop configurations in the Rs 40k to Rs 60k price range. These will comprise eight models from the TravelMate series and one from the Aspire series.

The notebook range will offer either an Intel or AMD processor choice as well as a choice between Windows or Linux operating systems. These entry-level notebooks are priced between Rs 43,999 and Rs 59,999 and are equipped with a 14.1 inch TFT monitor. The notebooks will also offer a variety of free upgrade options including CD or Combo-drives and a one-year free international travelers warranty.

The notebooks are targeted at SME, SOHO, corporates, enterprises, education segments and mobile sales force segments. S Rajendran, General Manager - Sales and Marketing, Consumer Products Group, Acer India says, "The market potential is definitely at these price points and we believe we need to aggressively target this segment. Our range of notebooks will give consumers the flexibility to opt for a configuration of their choice without compromising in anyway on their unique requirements be it technology or performance."

Acer is an aggressive player in the notebook segment and has recorded the highest year-on-year growth (Q4 2002-Q4 2003) of 566.06% in the notebook segment, according to the latest IDC results. It has sold 3,317 notebooks units in the last quarter of 2003 and has gained the third position in the market. In the last quarter of 2003, Acer has shipped close to a million units of notebooks globally, vaulting it to the #2 position in the European market.