Battle of the netbooks

Mini notebooks, or netbooks, represent a new era for the computer hardware industry. Both local and international companies are jumping to grab a share of the Thailand market for the new compact devices which is expected to be worth about Bt936 million by the end of this year, demanding delivery of 104,000 units.

 Acer Computer's associate director of consumer product management Boonchai Ngouvisitkul said that Thailand's market for netbooks was continuing to grow because users were now able to buy the mobile devices at affordable prices.

Acer offers 11 netbook models ranging in price from Bt9,900 to Bt13,900. It expects to claim 15 to 20 per cent of the market this year.

"Our strategy is to provide the right netbook products, priced correctly and marketed through the correct channels - via retailers and master dealers around the country. We also plan to debut a new netbook model every three months. In the third quarter of this year we will release a netbook bundled with 3G technology," Boonchai said.

The country sales manager of the PC-business division of Fujitsu Systems Business (Thailand), Worasacha Sarasureeporn, said her company had just released the Fujitsu M1010 - the first in its new M-series mini-notebook line.

The Fujitsu M1010 is made to be user-friendly and is packed with connectivity features. It offers true mobility for Internet-savvy people who prefer casual usage at a cost within their means.

"The M1010 upholds Fujitsu's flair for fusing form and function into characteristic computing solutions," Worasacha said. "Casual users who are looking for a constant personal companion that allows them ultimate connectivity and essential functionalities with a price tag that is not too hefty will find the M1010 meets their need for a richer, fuller user experience."

She said Fujitsu expected to sell about 5,000 mini notebooks this year, focusing on university, corporate and commercial users. It will also offer a two-year warranty to promote sales.

 Dell Corporation (Thailand)'s managing director Anothai Wettyakorn said his company would focus on selling its mini notebooks in the education and corporate markets and to second-time buyers in the consumer market. 

"We can offer different products to the market, starting from design and including complete and on-site servicing, as well as a range of solutions," Anothai said. "I think the education market is one with high potential in Thailand. It is a green-field market, and we plan to enter green-field markets."