Acer India Appoints Sudhir Goel as the Chief Business Officer for India and Bangladesh

Acer India, the global PC brand, has appointed Sudhir Goel as their Chief Business Officer. Sudhir has been associated with Acer India since 1999 handling various leadership roles spanning product engineering, manufacturing, support, supply chain and recently as the head of commercial business group. In his new role as Chief Business Officer, Sudhir will be responsible for leading both the commercial and consumer business of the company in India and Bangladesh.

With over 35 years of experience, Sudhir brings in a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his role in Acer India. He was instrumental in establishing Acer India’s manufacturing facility at Pondicherry. He later took on the portfolio of Chief Supply Chain officer, handling complete supply chain - operations, procurement, material planning and manufacturing functions. In addition, he assisted Sales and Marketing in strategic calls on all large deals. Before this role, he was responsible for Acer India’s commercial business group handling PnL, product strategy, alliance relationships and establishing leadership position in multiple categories. He was also in charge of the company’s product solution development in Asia Pacific countries.

Harish Kohli, President, and Managing Director, Acer India said, “Under the leadership of Sudhir Goel, Acer India has successfully excelled in an intensely competitive environment and gained substantial impetus in Indian commercial PC market. Sudhir brings in excellent prerequisites to navigate Acer India in a challenging business situation and we are confident that his strategic thinking, experience, and ability to drive people will navigate the organization to even greater success in the future.” 

Commenting on appointment as Chief Business Officer of Acer India Mr. Sudhir Goel said, “I am honored to be appointed Chief Business Officer and excited to lead Acer's Commercial and Consumer business with support from our executive leadership team, as our company shapes the future of our industry. And now with the new normal where we are seeing a paradigm shift in consumer behavior, it is times like these when being effective, innovative and intuitive really makes a difference and I am looking forward to successfully lead both the business groups."

Before joining Acer India, Sudhir started his career in 1985 with DCM Data Products as a Design Engineer and later joined Compaq as National Tech Support Manager for two years. He has done his engineering degree from BITS Pilani and did his MBA from Faculty of Management Studies, Delhi University. He is fond of reading both fiction and non-fiction and loves to watch movies in his spare time.

Acer Refreshes its Predator Helios, Predator Triton and Nitro Gaming Notebooks

Editor’s Summary

Acer’s gaming notebooks now offer a range of 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors and up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER™ graphics

Acer is also bringing the latest display technology to its Predator and Nitro gaming notebooks with models offering 240 Hz or 144 Hz displays for seamless, tear-free gaming

Acer’s new PowerGem thermal technology makes its debut in the Predator Helios 700, bringing significant cooling enhancements to the ultra-powerful notebook

Today at Acer’s online global press conference, the company announced significant new updates to four of its popular gaming notebooks: the Predator Helios 700, Predator Helios 300, Predator Triton 300 and Nitro 7. These new refreshed models bring exciting updates across the board, giving gamers of all levels and types something to look forward to. 

The notebook lines now include the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series processors for desktop-caliber performance that can be taken anywhere. NVIDIA® GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER™ or RTX 2070 SUPER GPUs deliver the performance needed to drive fast displays with high refresh rates for blur-free seamless visuals in even the most demanding of AAA games. To keep the notebooks operating at peak performance and optimal temperatures, Acer has equipped the notebooks with enhanced thermal designs, new cooling technologies and additional heat pipes.

Predator Helios 700 – A Notebook That Can Replace Your Desktop

The Predator Helios 700, featuring the iconic sliding HyperDrift keyboard, has been upgraded to include either an overclockable 10th Gen Intel Core i9-10980HK or i7-10875H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 SUPER or RTX 2070 SUPER GPUs.

The device’s thermal management capabilities have been significantly enhanced with a new thermal solution called Predator PowerGem, included on models with the Intel Core i9 processor. PowerGem is a special material with 3.83 times more vertical heat conductivity than copper, improving the notebook’s heat emission efficiency. All models include three copper heat pipes, Acer CoolBoost Technology, a vapor chamber and two Acer custom-engineered 4th Gen AeroBlade™ 3D fans.

Additional high-performance updates include faster 2933 Hz memory (max 64 GB), an additional Thunderbolt 3 port (for a total of two) and the latest Killer DoubleShot™ Pro (Wi-Fi 6 AX1650i wireless and E3100G Ethernet) to ensure that speed-critical applications get bandwidth priority. Fast PCIe NVMe Solid State Drives in RAID 0 keep everything lightning fast, and games will roar to life on the Helios 700’s beautiful 17.3-inch 144 Hz FHD IPS[i] display with NVIDIA® G-SYNC® technology.

The keyboard, which features per-key RGB lighting and anti-ghosting, has been updated to include MagTek mechanical switches for the WASD keys and a set of new racing keys which offer increased precision. Designed for racing games, they feature 1.5 mm of keycap curvature that enables gamers to make finer and more controlled movements in game. Gamers can swap the standard WASD keys on the keyboard out with the included MagForce keys and racing keys, choosing the set best suited for the game they’re playing. Once swapped, gamers can use the Predator Sense app or press the P3 hotkey in order to adjust the keys’ lighting and actuation point.

Predator Helios 300 – Powerful, Feature Packed

Acer’s popular Predator Helios 300 has raised the bar for gaming notebooks, offering the best performance for the dollar. Now available with the latest 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processors, overclockable NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU with Max-Q Design and a 240 Hz 15.6-inch FHD IPS display with 3 ms overdrive, the newest Helios 300 has cemented its reputation as one of the most powerful and feature-packed yet affordably-priced gaming notebooks available. It also supports up to 32 GB of 2933 MHz DDR4 memory, two PCIe NVMe SSDs in RAID 0 configuration and up to a 2 TB hard drive, delivering the speed and storage necessary to maintain large libraries of AAA games and movies.

Enhancing the overall performance and gaming experience, DTS:X Ultra Audio delivers high-end 360-degree surround sound for experiencing media in a realistic spatial soundscape. With headphones, it provides an authentic audio experience letting sounds be heard as they were meant to be, whether near or far, and features specially tuned sound modes that have been optimized for different game genres (strategy, RPG or FPS).

Acer’s custom-engineered cooling technology ensures that the device runs at an optimal temperature. The notebook features dual fans, including one newly designed 4th Generation AeroBlade™ 3D fan that reduces noise while increasing airflow, and Acer CoolBoost™, which allows manual adjustment of the fans to ensure that critical areas receive continuous cooling. Strategically placed intake and exhaust vents are also included.

Predator Triton 300 – Ideal for Gamers and Content Creators

Acer’s powerful but slim Predator Triton 300 gaming notebook has been refreshed to include a 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processor, up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 GPU with Max-Q Design and a 240 Hz display refresh rate. The 15.6-inch FHD IPS display also features a 3 ms response time, 300 nits brightness and supports 100% of the sRGB color space, making it ideal for both gaming and content creation. It further supports up to three M.2 SSDs (one PCIe, two combos), providing an abundance of storage plus the lightning-fast transfer rates and speed that gamers crave.

Three heat pipes have been added to the device’s advanced thermal design, which also includes a dual-fan cooling system (featuring one 4th Gen AeroBlade 3D metal fan), CoolBoost™ technology and strategically placed intake and exhaust vents. All this performance is housed in a thin and lightweight metal chassis[ii] that measures just 19.9 mm (0.78 inches) thin and 2.1 kg (4.63 lbs), making it easy to game on the go.

Nitro 7 – Sleek Metal Design for Gaming on the Go

Acer’s updated Nitro 7 is another option for gamers seeking portability. Its sleek metal chassis measures just 19.9 mm (0.78 inches) thin and 2.5 kg (5.51 lbs), but still manages to pack in a 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processor and up to a GeForce RTX™ 2060 GPU. With up to three slots for high-speed M.2 SSDs, up to 1 TB in RAID 0 configuration, up to 32 GB of DDR4 2933 memory, Killer™ Ethernet E2600 and Intel® Wi-Fi 6, game load and response times are incredibly quick.

The Nitro 7’s thermal design includes dual fans, a quad exhaust port design and Acer CoolBoost™ technology, which can be enabled in NitroSense to increase fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto-mode. On top of the performance this makes possible, a 15.6-inch non-glare FHD IPS display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 3 ms response allows for sharp visuals and smooth, blur-free gameplay.

Acer Expands ConceptD Series for Creators With New Notebooks, Desktops and Monitors

Editor’s Summary:

* Acer expanded its ConceptD family of notebooks, desktops and monitors supporting creators with premium power and an elegant design

* A notebook and convertible notebook that leverages Acer’s innovative Ezel hinge, impressive specs and a host of thoughtful features in order to offer an intuitive workflow

* A trio of PANTONE-validated monitors with outstanding color accuracy aimed at professional video/photo editors and animators

* A new desktop aimed at small design studios and creative enthusiasts that packs professional-grade graphics into a small, chic form factor

 

Acer today announced a new suite of premium notebooks, desktops, and monitors to expand its ConceptD line, a series of powerful devices specifically designed for creators.

Included in the lineup is the ConceptD 3 notebook range featuring the ConceptD 3 Ezel convertible notebook for creators on the move, the powerful ConceptD 100 desktop for content creators who work in small businesses and creative studios, and a trio of ConceptD monitors such as the ConceptD CP5, the ConceptD CP3 and the ConceptD CM3 for computer graphics professionals.

The ConceptD Series includes a variety of devices to suit the creative needs of professionals across the board from design students and YouTube enthusiasts to CAD designers, video editors, illustrators and animators.

ConceptD 3 Ezel and ConceptD 3 Notebooks – Mobile Creativity

Aimed at design students, freelance designers and small design studios, a full selection of high-performance ConceptD 3 notebooks are now available. Powerful enough to handle medium-size to complex CAD work with speed and accuracy, the ConceptD 3 Ezel and ConceptD 3 notebook ranges make display and powerful graphics specifications a priority. They come with a thinner and lighter look with both the clamshell and convertible form factors having 14- and 15.6-inch screens, so they can be used to edit and showcase work on the move.

ConceptD 3 Ezel – Strike a Creative Pose

The innovative ConceptD 3 Ezel is a convertible notebook designed to give creators the most intuitive experience possible. Its amber-backlit keys are set against a pristine white all-metal chassis and a luxuriously large glass trackpad that supports multi-finger gestures. Acer’s innovative Ezel hinge makes the device as versatile as it is elegant, empowering users with the ability to switch between six usage modes such as stand mode for drawing content or display mode for presenting it. Other usage modes include an adjustable float mode, traditional laptop mode, pad mode and share mode. On top of 18 hours of battery life1, the device’s creative toolbox includes programmable keys and a suite of connectivity options, such as a SD card 7.0 reader and USB Type-C Thunderbolt™ 3 port, while weighing just 1.68 kg (14’’, 3.7 lbs) or 1.95 kg (15’’, 4.29 kg).

The notebook features a 14- or 15.6-inch FHD PANTONE-Validated touchscreen display that covers 100% of the sRGB color gamut and has a delta E<2 color accuracy. This lifelike display is perfect for drawing with Acer’s Active Stylus, featuring 4,096 levels of pressure sensitivity, and artists can make use of float mode to find their ideal drawing angle. Furthermore, the ConceptD 3 Ezel is powered by 10th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-10750H or 10th Gen Intel Core i5-10300H processors, NVIDIA® Quadro® T1000 (ConceptD 3 Ezel Pro) or GeForce® GTX 1650Ti GPUs and 1 TB of PCIe SSD storage. This means that the notebook is powerful enough to handle not only drawing or sketching but also animation and 3D modeling—all at 40 dBA or quieter.                

ConceptD 3 Notebook – Freedom in Creation

The ConceptD 3 high-performance laptop is housed in a timeless design and enables work and creativity on the go. Ideal for those who prefer traditional clamshell form factors, 20 hours of battery life[i] gives creators the flexibility to edit and showcase their work wherever they happen to be. Powered by NVIDIA Quadro T1000 (ConceptD 3 Pro) or GeForce GTX 1650Ti GPUs and the new 10th Gen Intel Core H-series processors, it is specifically designed to handle all 2D or 3D color-critical design work on a 14- or 15.6-inch FHD PANTONE Validated display.

The ConceptD 100 Desktop – Unlock Creativity

The ConceptD 100 desktop is ideal for graphics-intensive 2D design and entry-level 3D CAD modeling, addressing the specific needs of professional creators and multimedia classrooms. The ConceptD 100 desktop is equipped with a powerful 9th Gen Intel Core processor and an NVIDIA GeForce or Quadro GPU, allowing 2D and light-duty 3D creators to accelerate quickly and reliably through tasks and workflows. This small form factor PC comes with up to 256 GB of ultrafast SSD storage, all-around connectivity and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, which allows creators to make simultaneous use of all essential applications without delay. Its front air intake and side-ventilation keep the mini workstation cool and ensure that its noise levels stay under 40 dBA, the equivalent of a library room. It blends features with style, coming in an elegant, off-white curved design that fits perfectly into any modern office or workspace.

The ConceptD CP5 and CP3 Monitors – Breathtaking Accurate Visuals

The ConceptD CP5 and ConceptD CP3 series of monitors are aimed at professional computer graphics creators, video editors and animators who require a high-performance monitor with outstanding color accuracy and reliable compatibility. Both monitor lines are designed for those who seek resolution, color accuracy and a wide color gamut, the ability to work with HDR content, high refresh rates for blur-free images and a large screen to facilitate the design process and support collaboration.

The CP5271U V model features Delta E<1 color accuracy and is PANTONE-Validated with 1.07 billion colors. For delicate image quality, it has a WQHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, VESA DisplayHDR 600, is Adaptive-Sync compatible and overclockable to a 170 Hz refresh rate, making it ideal for professional video editing and CG work. Covering 99% of the Adobe RGB color space and leveraging a fast 1 ms (GTG) response time, it produces rich and lifelike images.

The ConceptD CP3 Monitor, also aimed at professional creators, video editors, animators and graphic designers, has similar specifications and supports 98% of the DCI-P3 wide color gamut, WQHD 3840 x 2160 with a refresh rate up to 165 Hz as well as VESA DisplayHDR 400.

The ConceptD CM3 Monitor – Brings Imagination to Life

The ConceptD CM3 series of monitors is aimed specifically at professional graphic designers and photo editors desiring a monitor that can display finely detailed design concepts and 3D content. It is ideal for professional designers that need to quickly and smoothly perform tasks requiring superb color accuracy, blur-free display and a wide color range as well as outstanding HDR and reliable compatibility. The line is ideal for creators performing 3D modeling, editing static imagery and performing rendering tasks. The large screens support the design process and facilitate collaboration.

The CM3271K model offers a 4K UHD 3840 x 2160 screen with a 4 ms (G to G) response time, 60 Hz refresh rate and a wide color gamut supporting 99% of the Adobe RGB color space. It’s compatible with AMD Radeon FreeSync, and with PANTONE Validation, Delta E<2 and VESA-certified DisplayHDR™ 400 support, creators can expect greater color accuracy as well as greater overall luminance.

Acer’s New Swift 5 Fuses Style, Portability and Performance in India

Editor’s Summary

* An ultrathin-and-light notebook that strives to pack as much power and performance as possible into an ultraportable chassis

* Features the next gen Intel® Core™ processors with powerful integrated graphics based on Intel’s new Xe architecture and optional NVIDIA® GeForce® MX350 GPUs[i]

* A touchscreen covered with Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass[ii] is surrounded by four ultra-narrow bezels to offer an immersive 90% screen-to-body ratio. Additionally, users have the option to further include an antimicrobial coating on other exposed surfaces[iii]

* An all-day battery that can be fast-charged for when work cannot wait, yielding four hours of use from a 30-minute charge

Acer has announced its new Swift 5 notebook that offers a new take on productivity, powerful yet light enough to be carried around throughout the day. The ultraportable device is a beacon of both design and performance, sporting a professional aesthetic that is backed up by impressive functionality. This year’s model features ultra-narrow bezels that allow for a 90% screen-to-body ratio, a touchscreen with Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass and new colors, such as mist green.

“The new Swift 5 pushes the envelope on what thin-and-light notebooks can be,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business, Acer Inc. “A productivity powerhouse housed in a sleek and ultraportable chassis, the Swift 5 is an excellent option for professionals who are always on the move and seeking a device capable of keeping up with them.”

Less Than 1 kg1: Do More With Less

The Acer Swift 5 is an ultrathin-and-light notebook that sits at the intersection of style, power and portability. Its 14.95 mm (0.59 in) chassis is made from high-grade magnesium-lithium and magnesium-aluminum, allowing it to pack the next gen Intel® Core™ processors with powerful integrated graphics based on Intel’s new Xe architecture and optional NVIDIA® GeForce® MX350 GPUs while staying under 1 kg1 (2.2 lbs). This power makes it possible to seamlessly run multiple applications at once, and 1 TB of high-speed PCle SSD storage on top of up to 16 GB LPDDRAX ensures that they load quickly. Furthermore, those in the office or on a conference call will appreciate the ability to control how much sound the device makes by alternating between three cooling modes: silent, normal or performance.

Svelte Aesthetics and a Stunning Screen

The Swift 5 has an elegant design that comes in two color palates: mist green or safari gold, both with gold accents. The notebook’s all-metal chassis is defined by confidently sharp angles and a minimalist profile that makes it an excellent option for image-conscious professionals. That being said, the Swift 5’s design is not all about looks. This year’s model includes a specially designed hinge that slightly elevates the device while the screen is opened, allowing for a more ergonomic typing experience, better thermal performance and, most notably, makes the device’s beautiful screen more prominent.

Opening the notebook reveals a generously large trackpad and a 14-inch FHD IPS[iv] touchscreen display, both of which support multi-finger gestures to offer an incredibly intuitive experience. The screen features 300 nits brightness1, covers 72% of the NTSC gamut and is surrounded by ultra-narrow bezels on all four sides that allow for up to a 90% screen-to-body ratio, creating a vivid and immersive viewing experience that makes the Swift 5 perfect for enjoying movies and relaxing after work.

Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass

The Swift 5’s touchscreen display is covered with a layer of Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass2, which has been specially formulated to reduce the growth of odor and stain-causing microorganisms on the touch display.

Additionally, users have the option to further include an antimicrobial coating[v] on the touchpad, keyboard and all covers of the device.

Full Connectivity and All-Day Battery Life

The Swift 5 features a large 56 Wh1 battery that lasts all day and can be fast-charged in a pinch, granting 4 hours of use[vi] off just a 30-minute charge-time. A host of connectivity options such as USB Type-C, Thunderbolt™ and USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports, in addition to dual-band Intel® Wi-Fi 6 (GIG+) and Bluetooth 5.0, make it an excellent choice for professionals and users who need to work on the go. For convenience and security, the Swift 5 is also equipped with an embedded fingerprint reader for Windows Hello. It also supports Wake on Voice, enabling users to activate and query Windows 10 even when the screen is off.

Acer Launches Enduro Lineup of Rugged Notebooks and Tablets

Editor’s Summary

* The new Enduro series of rugged devices, featuring MIL-810G and up to IP65 certifications, are designed for first responders, field and manufacturing workers

* In addition to physical protection, the devices also include a host of security and management services such as the Acer Enduro Manageability Suite (AEMS)

* The Acer Enduro N7 rugged notebook has been designed to survive even the most chaotic of industrial environments and features a hot-swappable battery

* The Acer Enduro N3 rugged notebook features the latest Intel® Core™ processors and long battery life, offering excellent performance that lasts for the entire workday

* The Acer Enduro T1 tablets are designed for use with gloves and come with a range of optional accessories that allow them to be adapted to a wide variety of scenarios

* The Acer Enduro T5 tablet is designed for industrial and warehouse work and comes with a swappable battery to allow for continuous use while on the job

Acer today launched Enduro, its new line of rugged notebooks and tablets specially designed to provide the durability, portability and performance needed by professionals working in the field. First responders and industrial manufacturing workers will find the Acer Enduro N7 to be a reliable companion, while event producers and outdoor hobbyists will appreciate the thin-and-light yet durable Enduro N3. A series of Enduro tablets are also available for retail, warehouse and manufacturing usage scenarios.

“With an increasingly modern workforce, more and more mobile devices are being deployed in the field where they are subject to harsher handling. Enduro, our new line of rugged notebooks and tablets, was created to provide our customers with the durability and performance that gets the job done,” said Andrew Chuang, General Manager, Rugged Computing, Acer Inc.

Acer Enduro N7 Rugged Notebook

The Acer Enduro N7 is a rugged notebook constructed with shock-absorbent materials to offer the reliability needed by first responders, field and industrial manufacturing workers while on the job. MIL-810G and IP65 certified[i], the device has been engineered to withstand drops onto the hardest flooring and to resist the ingress of dust and water. This durability makes the device suitable for work, hot or cold, and its 700-nit, 14-inch FHD screen offers excellent visibility whether inside or outside. For those working long days, the Enduro N7 comes with dual batteries: one hot-swappable battery with a long 10-hour[ii] life and another built-in bridge battery. 

In addition to being able to physically survive chaotic work environments, the Enduro N7 is equipped with the technology necessary to thrive in a modern work place. A quad-core 8th Gen Intel® Core™ i5 CPU offers enough power to smoothly navigate between several different applications and work on multiple tasks at the same time. The Enduro N7 is also very secure: hardware-level Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 checks for any signs of intrusion during startup and the Acer Enduro Manageability Suite (AEMS) serves to help protect the device while also making it easy to deploy services or system configurations across many devices. A fingerprint sensor supports more secure logins through Windows Hello.

Acer Enduro N3 Rugged Notebook

The Acer Enduro N3 is a powerful notebook that strikes a balance between durability and portability, making it ideal for users who rotate between several worksites such as architects, project inspectors, event managers, agricultural plant personnel or even lovers of the outdoors who want to record their adventures. The Enduro N3 was specially engineered to be resistant to drops and water, achieving MIL-STD 810G and IP53[iii] certifications, while maintaining a thin-and-light frame of just 24.85 mm (0.98 in) at 1.985 kg (4.37 lb). Some of these features include reinforced corners for drops, Corning® Gorilla® Glass to protect the display from water and the unique water-resistant Aquafan™.

This physical protection comes on top of premium levels of protection against cyber threats thanks to technology like Discrete Trusted Platform Module, AEMS, and password-protected HDDs. This host of security and management tools ensures that all work done over the device’s 13-hour battery life2 is safe, and this safety does not come at the expense of performance. The Enduro N3 boasts a 10th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and 32 GB of DDR4 RAM, giving it reliable performance, with an optional NVIDIA® GeForce® MX230 discrete GPU and 512 GB PCle Gen3 NVMe SSD for those with exceptionally heavy workloads.

Acer Enduro Management Suite (AEMS)

The Acer Enduro Management Suite (AEMS) is a system designed to streamline the management of large quantities of devices, helping to keep existing devices more secure and speed up the process of rolling new ones out. The AEMS console enables a manager to remotely interact with AEMS-enabled devices in the following ways:

Programmable physical keys: AEMS-enabled tablets and notebook computers include physical keys, located next to the power button, which will automatically launch a designated application upon keypress.

I/O Control: The ability to remotely enable/disable access to I/O ports[iv]. Cameras and barcode scanners may also be enabled or disabled.

Device Monitor: Lists and exports information for all devices being managed, including information about each individual device’s system, hardware, software and any applied hotfixes.

Remote Deployment: Any necessary applications, BIOS changes or Windows updates can be pushed out and deployed remotely.

Acer Enduro T5 Rugged Tablet

The Acer Enduro T5 (ET510-51W) is a durable and rugged 10-inch Windows tablet designed for long periods of work in extreme environments. Its 10 hour2 battery can be swapped out, enabling continuous usage, and a 7th Gen Intel Core m3 processor lends it the power needed by logistics and manufacturing workers. All on top of MIL-STD 810G and IP65 certifications and AEMS. Accessories such as docking stations, hand grips, shoulder straps, 4-point shoulder straps, car chargers and car holders are available to expand the functionality and mobility of the Enduro T5.

Acer Enduro T1 Rugged Tablets

The Acer Enduro T1 (ET110-31W) is a flexible and rugged 10-inch Windows tablet that can double as a 10.1-inch notebook via an optional portfolio keyboard. The device’s MIL-STD 810G4 and IP54 certifications, combined with an Intel Celeron processor and 64 GB of eMMC storage space, make it a reliable and convenient option for quick work on the go. The Enduro T1 can also be used while wearing gloves.

The Acer Enduro T1 (ET108-11A) is a compact and durable 8-inch Android tablet designed especially for smart retail, warehouse and factory workers. MIL-STD 810G[v] and IP54 certified, the device also features a range of optional accessories and programmable keys that enable it to be adapted to a variety of unique environments. The Enduro T1 can also be used while wearing gloves.    

Acer Launches Premium Convertible 2K Chromebook Spin 713 that's Based On Project Athena

Editor’s Summary

* New Acer Chromebook Spin 713 delivers the latest technology and a premium design. Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 comes with the business capabilities of Chrome OS unlocked

* Co-engineered and verified[i] as part of Intel’s Project Athena innovation program for advanced mobile performance with the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors built to power the next generation of computing innovation and provide platform stability.

* Military-grade durability in a flexible design makes it ideal for users needing on-the-go performance for productivity, presentations and staying in touch

* The 3:2 2K VertiView Corning® Gorilla® Glass 13.5-inch touch display boosts productivity with more vertical space for websites, documents and spreadsheets

* Additionally, new Acer Chromebook Spin 311 launches with a convertible design, up to 15 hours of battery[ii] life and 11.6-inch Corning Gorilla Glass display

Acer has expanded its offering of Chromebooks for consumers and businesses with the new stylish Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-2W) and Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713, featuring 10th Gen Intel® Core™ commercial processors that deliver the latest in connectivity, productivity, performance and platform stability, designed to enable the superior productivity and performance that businesses need when working in the cloud. It brings together cutting-edge hardware, specs and design with the speed, security and simplicity that Chrome OS is known for.

Part of Intel’s Project Athena innovation program, the new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 is powered by the latest 10th Gen Intel® Core™ processors[iii] that offer first-rate performance and battery life. In addition, its 2K 13.5-inch VertiView display features a productivity-boosting 3:2 aspect ratio, creating extra vertical space and reducing scrolling.

Project Athena Innovation

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 (CP713-2W) was co-engineered with Intel as part of Intel’s Project Athena innovation program, which was designed to incubate and deliver the most advanced laptop experiences and designs. It passed rigorous testing to achieve the technology specifications and key experiences ensuring that it consistently delivers the responsiveness, instant wake and battery life that ambitious people need to focus from anywhere.

“Acer’s Chromebook 713 demonstrates the co-engineering efforts driven by Acer and Intel through the Project Athena innovation program,” said Josh Newman, Vice President, Client Computing Group at Intel. “Powered by the 10th Gen Intel Core processors, Acer’s first Project Athena-based Chromebook provides exceptional performance and enables premium productivity for business professionals.”

The powerful 10th Gen Intel Core processors for the latest in processing performance allows for handling multiple apps, pages, extensions and more. Users will experience more than a full day of productivity on the device’s fast-chargeable battery that offers 10 hours1 of usage. It comes with up to 16 GB DDR4 SDRAM and up to 256 GB of PCIe NVMe SSD storage.

Productivity-Boosting VertiView Display

The new Acer Chromebook Spin 713 features a 13.5-inch VertiView display with a 3:2 aspect ratio that provides 18% more vertical screen space and reduces the need to scroll. Displaying in 2256 x 1504 resolution, the IPS[iv] display offers brilliant 2K clarity whether streaming video or using apps from the Google Play store. Plus, both the touchscreen and touchpad are made of Corning Gorilla Glass, so they resist scratches while providing smooth navigation.

Thinner bezels ensure that the notebook’s vibrant images stand out. Dual integrated stereo speakers provide first-rate audio, while dual microphones effectively pinpoint sound to allow for clearer communication.

Military Durability in a Flexible Design

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713’s all-new streamlined aluminum chassis has a reinforced design that delivers military-grade durability (U.S. MIL-STD 810G compliant[v]), making it capable of resisting dents, dings and corrosion. The reinforced design and shock-absorbing bumper can survive drops from heights of up to 122 cm (48 inches) and withstand up to 60 kg (132 pounds) of downward force.

The device features a convertible design and can be opened a full 360-degrees, enabling its touchscreen display to be used in four different modes: display mode for presenting, tablet mode for entertainment, clamshell mode for keyboard input and tent mode to make the most of small spaces. The backlit keyboard boosts productivity in a range of lighting conditions. The convertible device is very portable, measuring just 16.8 mm thin (0.66 inches) and 1.37 kg (3.02 lbs), making it easy to place into a bag and take around for people constantly on the go.

Ports and Latest Wi-Fi Keep Users Connected

The Acer Chromebook Spin 713 provides options to keep consumers and businesses connected. It has two USB 3.1 Type-C ports, both supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C, and USB charging. It also includes an HDMI port, USB 3.0 and MicroSD card reader. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 AX201 (802.11ax) with 2x2 MU-MIMO technology provides a fast and reliable wireless connection[vi], while Bluetooth 5.0 delivers a convenient means to connect to peripherals.

Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass

Acer Chromebook Spin 713’s touch panel and touchpad are covered with an optional[vii] layer of Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass.  Specially formulated Corning® Gorilla® Glass reduces the growth of odor and stain-causing microorganisms on touch displays and touchpads.

Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713

The new Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 is available with the Chrome Enterprise Upgrade included, a solution that helps businesses to manage devices at scale. Ideal for a range of business environments, including those where employees share devices and are mobile, such as in health care and retail, Chrome Enterprise helps create a secure and productive environment for cloud-based workers.

The Chromebook’s fast and secure operating system simplifies the process of deploying, managing and powering a cloud workforce. IT departments will appreciate the comprehensive, integrated security coverage that is part of Chromebook Enterprise. IT administrators will find it easy to control updates, configure apps, utilize extensions and policies, and more with web-based management[viii] that makes the new Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 easy to deploy and manage, increasing their uptime and reducing their total cost of ownership (TCO).

“Businesses of all sizes are embracing cloud-based tools, so their employees can work more effectively from their offices or homes, while also staying connected and collaborating with colleagues, customers and partners,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, IT Products Business at Acer. “Acer’s new Chromebook Spin Enterprise 713 will help businesses accomplish more, while delivering what IT management wants – security, ease of deployment, manageability, and a solid return on investment.”

Acer Chromebook Spin 311 is Convertible and Consumer-Friendly

Additionally, Acer today launched the Chromebook Spin 311 (CP311-3H), a consumer-friendly 11.6-inch convertible Chromebook designed to handle schoolwork and everyday projects. Powered by a Mediatek MT8183 processor, it provides the performance necessary to simultaneously run multiple apps, web pages and documents. Plus, a long battery life of up to 15-hours1 ensures it will keep up with students and families during long days of study, work and play.

Weighing only 1 kg (2.2 lbs), the Acer Chromebook Spin 311 fits neatly in a backpack or book bag and can be comfortably taken around the house for school projects, keeping in touch and even having fun on apps. Interacting with the new Chromebook is intuitive and enjoyable thanks to an Antimicrobial Corning® Gorilla® Glass HD touch IPS display and a newly improved keyboard featuring concave keys and ample key travel. Plus, a wide field-of-view webcam, 802.11ac 2x2 MU-MIMO Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 provide everything family members need to stay connected via Google Hangouts, Google Classroom and more.

Android App Support

The new Chromebook Spin 713, Chromebook Enterprise Spin 713 and Chromebook Spin 311 fully support Android apps via Google Play, so customers will have access to all the apps they love for productivity, creativity, services and more.

Acer Unveils Acer One 14 – The Affordable Fully Loaded Laptop for Education and Small Businesses at Just Rs 22,999

Highlights:

•The new Acer One 14 is designed to cater to the immediate need of educational institutions and business to go digital without high investment

•Acer One 14 laptop is equipped with Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor

•Acer One 14 comes with Microsoft Windows 10 Home 64 bit, 1 Gigabit LAN port with at least 2 USB 3.0 Type A

•The laptop comes with fully loaded specifications with 3 years warranty

Acer, the global PC brand, today updated its commercial line-up with fully loaded affordable new Acer One 14 laptop. It is powered by the Intel® Pentium® Gold Processor 4415U in a compact form-factor and impressive screen to body ration with a 14-inch display. The Acer One 14 is paired with 4GB DDR4 RAM expandable memory up to 32GB and host Intel® WiFi + Bluetooth connectivity. Especially designed for educational, Small-Medium Businesses and Enterprises to help them in the digital revolution the laptop comes with features include HD Cam with Microphone, 1 Gigabit LAN port, 2 USB 3.0 Type-A, 1 USB 2.0 Type A, and up to 4 hours of battery life.

Speaking on this occasion, Sudhir Goel, Chief of Commercial Business Group, Acer India said, “I am thrilled to announce the launch of new affordable Acer One 14 laptop designed specially keeping in mind the enterprise & education sector. Acer has always tried to stay ahead of the consumer’s demand be it the productivity at work or empowering students. This launch will enable working professionals, students and teachers to optimize their time with the laptop offering best performance and features for the price. This is an excellent laptop when it comes to affordability, security & loaded operating system is concerned.”

Driven by the goal of digital transformation, Acer India is reaching out to schools and educational institutions as well as businesses, for learning and work style transformation. The new device offers the performance and value that customers will be able to appreciate while investing in a laptop.

Pricing and Availability:

The Acer One 14 is priced from Rs. Rs 22,999 onwards and will be available at Acer E-store (https://store.acer.com/en-in/) and at over 1500 Acer channel partner stores across India. 

Acer India Launches Business PC at Just Rs 9999; Aims to Support Education, SMBs & Enterprises

Editorial Summary:

*The new Acer Veriton N series PCs is launched to support the immediate need of e-learning and business to go digital without high investment

*Latest Intel Dual Core/Quad-Core Processors equipped Acer Veriton N series is a space-saving and Power saving system which can easily accomplish the needs of students, education institutes and businesses

*Veriton N series comes with Microsoft Windows 10, 6 USB ports with at least 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1

*The PC comes with fully loaded specifications with security and manageability features.

 

Acer, the global PC brand, today unveiled affordable Acer Veriton N series powered by latest Intel Dual Core/Quad-Core Processors paired with 4GB RAM expandable upto 8GB and a host of connectivity options it is designed for e-learning, Small-Medium Businesses and Enterprises to help them in digital transformation. The new Acer Veriton N series comes with Microsoft Windows 10, WiFi b/g/n ac for wireless connectivity along with security and manageability features. It is an ultra-small form factor desktop with VESA mount which can fit behind a monitor easily saving space and giving a clean work desk.

Speaking on this occasion, Sudhir Goel, Chief of Commercial Business Group, Acer India said, “We are excited about the launch of the new Acer Veriton N series which is an affordable PC for meeting the rising demand of E-learning, Enterprises and Small Medium Business across all segments. With lockdown and changing business strategies, there is a need of IT products to adjust the remote working requirements. To address the immediate task of keeping the workforce functional with minimum losses in productivity, Acer India launched this product that is enterprise ready and delivers a smoother, more responsive, and fast computing experience. This launch will support the industry prediction on the rising demand for PCs in the enterprise segment for the coming quarters.”

By expanding its line-up of affordable devices, Acer India will continue to support education, enterprise and Small Medium Businesses, as part of the education and work style transformation. This performance-oriented PCs support up to two displays to maximize productivity, and 6 USB ports with at least 2 USB 3.1 Gen 1 that provide high-speed data transfer and best-in-class connectivity.

Pricing and Availability:

The Acer Veriton N series is priced from Rs. 9999 onwards and will be available at Acer E-store (https://store.acer.com/en-in/) and at over 1500 Acer channel partner stores across India. To know more write to ail.enquiries@acer.com

Acer India Unveils Nitro 5, its First 10th Gen Intel Core Gaming Laptop

Highlights:

* The latest Nitro 5 offering comes with up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 H-Series mobile processors to enable immersive gaming experiences

* This is paired with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics for incredibly fast performance and comes with fast refresh rates at up to 144Hz and low latency of just 3ms

* Latest Nitro 5 is available in 15.6” &17.3” FHD IPS Displays, Narrow-bezel design, with 80% screen-to-body ratio

* Nitro 5 comes with CoolBoost technology with dual-fan system & four exhaust ports

* Powered by the latest gigabit Ethernet technology, the Killer E2600 delivers incredible online experiences – low latency gaming, smooth HD streaming video, and interrupt-free voice and video chats

* The new Nitro 5 gaming laptop offers battery life up to 10 hours

Further strengthening their gaming portfolio in India, Acer India, today unveiled its first-ever 10th Gen Intel Core processor powered Nitro 5 gaming laptop. The latest Nitro 5 comes with up to 10th Gen Intel Core i7 H-Series mobile processors to enable immersive gaming experiences with amazing responsiveness and consistent in-game performance. The laptops are equipped with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060 graphics, a new display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a low-latency response time of only 3ms.

Inheriting the advanced spirit of its predecessors, Acer always has gone the extra mile to ensure that gaming machines offer the right design and power for the best gaming experience. With the new Nitro 5 gaming laptop, gamers now have more features packed in sleek designs to elevate their gaming experience. Acer’s Nitro 5 laptop allows users to enjoy their favorite games in exceptional detail with a Full HD IPS display in either a 17.3-inch narrow bezel display or 15.6-inch with an impressive 80 percent screen-to-body ratio. It combines dual M.2 Supporting PCIe SSD Support in RAID 0 technology, and up to 32 GB using two soDIMM modules for superior gaming performance at a value. It effortlessly streams gameplay with Intel® Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MU-MIMO Technology. Users can also connect supporting gadgets with an array of ports such as HDMI 2.0, USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2, and more.

Speaking on this occasion, Chandrahas Panigrahi, CMO & Consumer Business Head, Acer India said, “In order to stay ahead with the increasing demand for gaming PC’s in India, Acer is excited to introduce our first 10th Gen Intel Core gaming laptop designed for both core and casual Indian gaming enthusiasts. The new range is built with an emphasis on strong performance, responsiveness, and intelligent design. We are confident to continuing to offer the best experience with innovation and outstanding features for gaming fanatics.”

Roshni Das, Director – Marketing, Intel India said, “Performance and mobility are both top of mind for gamers today and Intel is committed to delivering the best PC gaming experiences on laptops. Our 10th Gen Intel® Core™ H-series mobile platform is optimized for enthusiasts, pushing the frequency envelope and delivering amazing game play in mobile form factors. The Nitro 5 is Acer’s first 10th Gen Intel Core powered gaming laptop in the Indian market, offering high-performance, immersive gaming experiences with the flexibility to game from anywhere.”

Designed for Supremacy

Acer’s latest Nitro 5 laptop allows users to enjoy their favorite games in exceptional detail with a Full HD IPS display in either a 17.3-inch narrow bezel display or 15.6-inch with an impressive 80 percent screen-to-body ratio. The Nitro 5 combines a 10th Gen Intel Core H-series mobile processor and the latest NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX graphics for amazing responsiveness and consistent in-game performance. Nitro 5 allows gamers to configure their laptops for maximum speed and massive storage with two slots for M.2 PCIe SSDs and up to 32GB of DDR4 RAM.

Prioritize Gameplay with Killer Ethernet and Super Connectivity

Nitro 5 adopt Killer Ethernet E2600 to prioritize gameplay and effortlessly stream Intel Wi-Fi 6 with 2x2 MU-MIMO technology. The Ethernet controller automatically detects game, video and chat streams to deliver prioritized bandwidth for virtually lag-free user experience. It also plug all peripherals into the full range of ports, including HDMI 2.0 and the newest USB 3.2 standard with Gen 2 support.

Cool under fire

Nitro 5 features twin fans, Acer CoolBoost™ technology, and quad exhaust port design. CoolBoost increases fan speed by 10% and CPU/GPU cooling by 9% compared to auto mode. Users can monitor and manage the Nitro 5 with NitroSense, accessible with one touch of the NitroSense hotkey, covering temperatures, fan speeds, and more.

The Key to Victory

The latest Nitro 5 offers you to spice things up with the 4-zone RGB keyboard and the dedicated NitroSense Key. WASD and arrow keys are also highlighted for quick location while the key response is immediate with a 1.6mm travel distance.

Immersive Audio for Gaming

Better audio delivers a competitive edge as well as a more immersive experience through dual speakers. With DTS:X Ultra, sounds are clear and can be delivered in a 3D spatial soundscape, allowing you to hear where your opponents are coming from with pinpoint precision.

Pricing and Availability:

Nitro 5 is available at a starting price from Rs 72990 on Acer E-store (https://store.acer.com/en-in/) and authorized e-commerce and retail outlets.

New Booklet 3G from Nokia to take on Apple, Dell

Nokia started as a computer company in 1980's but sold the business in 1991 to focus on mobile phones. Now after two decades Nokia is all set to launch its booklet called "Booklet 3G" to broaden its product range to survive the tough competition in the declining mobile market.

Nokia is facing tough competition in the mobile market as many new players are now entering in the scene. Dell, Acer and Hewlett Packard (HP) are all interested to launch products in the mobile category. There are many speculations that Apple will soon be launching a tablet-type touch screen by next year. Nokia plans to take on these competitors in their own backyard with the launch of its Booklet 3G.

This booklet will mostly be mistaken for a netbook but it focuses on on-the-go networking. It is powered by a Windows operating system (not clear yet if it is Windows 7) and has a 10-inch color screen. It has both 3G and GPS functionality, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when there's a network available. It will also have access to Nokia Music store and Ovi maps. Nokia claims that the Booklet will run for 12 hours on a battery charge.

"A growing number of people want the computing power of a PC with the full benefits of mobility. Nokia has a long and rich heritage in mobility, and with the outstanding battery life, premium design and all-day, always-on connectivity, we will create something quite compelling," said Kai Oistamo, Nokia's Executive Vice-President for devices to Telegraph.

Nokia will mostly give further details about pricing early next month at Nokia World '09 in Stuttgart. It is expected that the booklet will be expensive and will be in the range of $700 to $1000.

Agencies

New tablet may replace keyboard with touch-screen

Apple is shrinking its Mac computer and bringing out a tablet that is small enough to be carried in a handbag but big enough for comfortable web surfing, newspaper reading and watching movies. The computer will revolutionize laptops as we know them because it is one flat touch-screen device without a keyboard.

Speculations have reached a feverish pitch that by 2010, the revolutionary touch-screen gadget will be in a store near you. Blogs are alive with rumours that the tablet’s launch will be announced in September by Steve Jobs, Apple founder and CEO, and launched in time for the Christmas market, reports the Telegraph.

The product is believed to have been in development for the past six years, with Jobs personally involved over the last two. If the speculation is true, it could be the next technological breakthrough for Apple, which has sold more than 200 million iPods since its launch in 2001. The tablet will be billed as the solution for people who work a lot on the move, but don’t want to be burdened with a laptop.

Pundits are predicting that our lives will never be the same. “People expect it to be the ultimate Apple surprise. This thing will knock people’s socks off,”Leander Kahney, a blogger and author of The Cult of Mac, told the Observer.

“Apple will totally rejig the computing experience. You won’t manipulate a keyboard and mouse any more but rather use an intuitive touch-screen. It will very tactile. It will be a whole new paradigm.”

Gene Munster, a technology research analyst, estimated that the tablet, with an onscreen keyboard like the iPhone, would cost around $600, putting it between the high-end iPod Touch at $399 and the Mac-Book, which starts at $999.

Agencies

Has HP retained No 1 position in the Indian PC market?

Hewlett-Packard (HP) improved its market share in the first quarter to continue its lead in the India PC personal computer (PC) space, according to technology research firm IDC.

HP captured 18.2% of the India PC market in terms of unit shipments in the January-March period, an IDC India report said. The PC maker had a 15.6% share in the previous (October-December) quarter. HP has been numero uno in the India PC market consistently every quarter over the past four years. With a market share of 9.8% in overall PC shipments, HCL Infosystems regained the second spot, after losing out to Dell in the October-December quarter. Dell slipped back to the third spot with a share of 9.7% in the first quarter this year, IDC said in a release.

The India PC market witnessed a 7% quarter-on-quarter growth in shipments in Q1 of 2009. A total of 16.79 lakh units of desktops and laptops were shipped during the January-March quarter of 2009.

Desktop PC shipments of 12.13 lakh registered a sequential growth of 9%, while laptop shipments of 4.66 lakh units grew 3% QoQ.

The research firm said the market share, over the next two quarters, would depend on how well PC vendors capitalise on opportunities in the consumer, education and government segments in India.

In Q1 2009, fourth-placed Acer’s market share dipped marginally to 7.3%. Fifth-ranked Lenovo showed a more pronounced drop — its share came down to 4.7% in Q1 2009 from 6.6% in the previous quarter.

“Moving forward, hardware in general, and PC shipments in particular, will continue to remain under pressure. Winners would gain market share and improve profitability through the right price/volume mix and optimal exploitation of supply chain efficiencies,” IDC India country manager Kapil Dev Singh said.

Economictimes

Will Larry Ellison foray into netbook market?

Oracle Corp Chief Executive Larry Ellison is considering getting into the business of selling low-cost laptop computers, one of the fastest-growing sectors of the technology business.

Ellison said on Tuesday that he is looking at entering the market for so-called netbook computers after his software company completes its planned $7 billion purchase of computer maker Sun Microsystems Inc.

Sun also controls the Java computer language, which Ellison told programmers at a Java users' conference could be employed to run netbooks.

"I don't see why some of those devices shouldn't come from Sun," said Ellison, who runs the world's third-largest software maker. "There will be computers that are fundamentally based on Java."

That would put Oracle in competition with companies like Google Inc, Hewlett-Packard Co, Dell Inc and Acer Inc, which either make netbooks or develop software for them.

The netbook phenomenon took off in 2008 to the tune of 11.7 million units, led by companies such as Acer and Asustek Computer Inc that were quick into the market. Nearly every PC vendor offers them these days.

Analysts forecast 20 million to 30 million netbooks will be sold this year, making up an ever larger part of overall laptop sales and marking one of few tech sectors still experiencing robust revenue growth.

Ellison made the comments during his first public speech since Oracle announced plans to buy Sun.

Although netbooks are relatively new, Ellison deserves some credit for their rise.

More then a decade ago he introduced a lightweight alternative to the PC known as the Network Computer, which was built primarily to connect to the Internet. The machines, which competed with ones running on Microsoft Corp's Windows operating system, failed to take off after their launch in 1996.

Agencies

New lighter, power-saving Intel chips for laptops

Intel Corp has launched a lighter, power-saving microprocessor intended for use in ultra-thin laptops, a move by the top chip
maker to shore up its lead in mobile computing.

The new processor, dubbed the Pentium SU2700, comes amid investors' fears that cheaper processors such as the Atom, designed for use in ultra-cheap netbooks, are cannibalizing the market share for higher-margin, more expensive chips.

Acer and Asustek have said they will build laptops with the chip, and Microsoft will ensure its software supports it.

Intel expects that by the fourth quarter of 2009, about a fifth of its consumer shipments will be for the new-generation laptops, slimmer and more energy-efficient.

Intel is upbeat on the ultra-thin market and expects "explosive growth in 2009, very similar to the netbook growth," Intel's director of mobile platforms product marketing Uday Marty said on a conference call.

Asutek, which in 2007 pioneered the successful low-cost, no-frills netbook PC in 2007, is expected to unveil five new laptop models based on the technology this year.

Analysts say Intel's CULV platform may offer a cheaper - but virtually as powerful - alternative to the traditional processors it makes for laptops, while enabling laptops to begin to approach the diminutive size of netbooks.

Intel released three new Core 2 Duo processors and a new mobile chipset.

Agencies

AT&T outlets to sell netbooks across USA

AT&T Inc plans to expand sales of netbook computers to all its stores in an effort to expand wireless services beyond cell
phones.

Ralph de la Vega, the head of AT&T's consumer business, said on Tuesday that the US phone company would directly sell netbooks from Dell Inc, Acer Inc and Lenovo Group Ltd starting this summer.

Until now, only AT&T stores in Atlanta and Philadelphia, and consumer electronics retailers RadioShack Corp and Costco, have been selling the netbooks, which come with AT&T mobile data connections.

"We're taking broadband and really making it mobile," de la Vega said at the Reuters Global Technology Summit in New York.

While sales of netbooks are expected to be boosted by promotions from carriers, some analysts have said that consumer enthusiasm could be muted by the requirement to sign up for two-year wireless service contracts and the $60-a-month data connection fees that come with the devices.

AT&T said in April it was testing a $40-per-month fee for 200 megabytes of data downloads to netbooks, or about 1/25th of the downloads allowed under the $60 service.

AT&T's bigger mobile rival Verizon Wireless, a venture of Verizon Communications Inc and Vodafone Group Plc, started selling netbook computers from Hewlett-Packard Co earlier this week.

Agencies

Have computer sales dipped by 12%; As cos cut IT spends

Personal computer (PC) sales in India fell about 11.7% during the first quarter of the calendar year to about 2.1 million units as enterprises slowed down IT spending, according to research firm Gartner.

Both desktop PC and laptop sales declined about 11% during the period, as both large enterprises and small and medium businesses delayed their IT hardware purchases.

“Cost pressure seems to have kept away enterprises from spending on IT hardware during the first quarter of 2009, while there are signs of some turnaround in the consumer sentiment,” Gartner principal analyst Diptarup Chakraborti said.

Hewlett-Packard continued to lead India’s PC market, selling about 300,000 PCs in the quarter. The PC maker, however, saw an year-on-year decline in both desktop and laptop sales during the period. HCL Infosystems (200,000) and Dell (158,000) were ranked second and third, respectively. Acer was ranked fourth.

Gartner said it expects PC sales in India to decline 3.7% year-on-year to 8.98 million units this year. The firm had projected sales of 11 million units for the calendar year in the beginning of January, but the first quarter made it revise its projection downwards.

“Production of desktops and laptops has come to near a halt in manufacturing destinations such as Taiwan,” Mr Chakraborti said. PC makers say they saw some growth in new categories, such as netbooks and higher retail sales, in the first quarter but the good news is limited to the consumer space.

“Large enterprises and small and medium businesses are not buying. The e-government projects are also in a limbo with the Model Code of Conduct in place,” Acer India chief marketing officer S Rajendran said.

With the slowdown in enterprise spending, corporate buyers are expected to account for 69% of total PC sales in 2009, down from 71% last year.

The economic slowdown has resulted in a slump in PC sales across the globe. Worldwide PC shipments declined 6.5% in the first quarter of 2009 to 67.2 million units. As per Gartner, the decline could have been steeper but for low-priced laptops such as netbooks.

Agencies

Dell-Acer is attractive merger, feel analyst

The personal computer industry may be ripe for a wave of consolidation, with a marriage of Dell Inc and Acer Inc seen as a particularly smart deal, according to an influential Wall Street analyst.

"Among the 10 top PC vendors, we believe that a Dell/Acer combination makes the most sense," Sanford C. Bernstein & Co analyst Toni Sacconaghi said in a client note on Friday.

If Dell were to buy Acer for a 20 percent premium, or about $5.7 billion, it would boost Dell's annual revenue growth sharply and add 12 cents a share to annual profit, he said.

The PC industry is commoditized and remains fragmented. Consolidating could help companies score better pricing from component vendors and contract manufacturers, as well as cost savings in areas such as human resources, he said.

"We view PC vendors as analogous to retailers, where our research suggests that the largest and operationally most efficient have garnered outsized profits relative to their peers," Sacconaghi wrote in his report.

Acer has a strong share of the portable computer market outside the United States, which would provide Dell with exposure to faster growth markets, he added.

Sacconaghi said buying Acer might also be beneficial to top PC maker Hewlett-Packard Co, but not as much as it would to Dell.

"While an HP-Acer combination might provide similar scale and synergy benefits, end market complementarity would not be as high," he said.

According to research firm Gartner, Dell and Acer were in a virtual tie for second place in the first quarter in market share in the United States.

Agencies

Is Nokia likely to enter laptop industry?

The world's top cellphone maker Nokia is eyeing entering the laptop business, its Chief Executive Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo said in an interview to Finnish national broadcaster YLE on Wednesday.

"We are looking very actively also at this opportunity," Kallasvuo said, when asked whether Nokia plans to make laptops.

Industry has rumoured about Nokia's possible plan to enter the PC industry since late last year, but Kallasvuo's comment was the first official admittance of such plans.

"We don't have to look even for five years from now to see that what we know as a cellphone and what we know as a PC are in many ways converging," Kallasvuo said.

"Today we have hundreds of millions of people who are having their first Internet experience on the phone. This is a good indication," he said.

Nokia's comments come a week after No 3 PC brand Acer launched a foray into the phone business with eight cellphone models, joining leader Hewlett-Packard and No. 4 Lenovo in the high-growth space.

While strong profit margins in the smartphone industry attract PC brands, the attraction of the low-margin computer industry is less obvious.

"Nokia maybe nervous about entering a market segment that is already heavily commoditised, but it would be in a position to exploit its enormous scale in manufacturing, supply chain and distribution," said Ben Wood, research director at CCS Insight.

"All leading mobile network operators and retailers are adding connected notebooks and netbooks to their portfolios alongside mobile phones. On this basis it comes as no surprise that Nokia is evaluating this segment," he said.

The global PC industry was resilient for most of last year when other technology sectors were ailing, but it too has now been caught up in the deepening economic downturn that has hit demand from consumers and corporate buyers.

Agencies

Wipro among top three in desktops segment by 2008

Computer major Wipro Infotech, a division of the $3.47-billion Wipro Limited, having rolled-out its new range of environment-friendly desktops in the Indian market, is now eyeing to be among the top three in the Enterprise and SMB desktop segment by 2008. Ashutosh Vaidya, vice-president – Personal Computing Division, Wipro Infotech in an interview with Manu Sharma, spoke on wide range of issues ranging from their foray into eco-friendly computers to future plans.

CIOL: What is Greenware range of desktops and laptops? What prompted Wipro to launch these products?
Ashutosh Vaidya: Wipro has been addressing the issue of increasing e-waste and in this connection launched eco-friendly range of products as part of its responsibility towards cleaner environment. This provides a compelling proposition to our customers to adopt eco-friendly, high performance and feature-rich computing products in their enterprise.

CIOL: Where does Wipro stand in the computer market and how does it plan to grow?
AV: After having registered sales of 150,000 units in 2006 (IDC report), Wipro is now looking to achieve a target of 225,000 units in 2007. In the Enterprise/SMB segment, the company occupied number five slot with sales of 70,000 last year and is now eyeing to reach 70,000 units in 2007, thus move up among the top three. HP leads this segment followed by HCL, Dell, Lenovo and Acer. We are targeting at state banks, government agencies to reach our target.

CIOL: What are RoHS compliance products and mention its importance?
AV: RoHS or (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) is a directive from the European Union to reduce substantial e-waste in the environment. A lot of e-waste such as Brominated Flame Retardants (BFR), PVCs and heavy metals like lead, cadmium and mercury are used by computer manufacturers. Now Wipro has set up its e-waste management process called Wipro Green Computing, which spans across its product lifecycle – from designing, manufacturing right up to the final disposal.

CIOL: How does Wipro plan to reduce e-waste in India?
AV: Wipro is among the first computer manufacturing companies to launch these products in India. We will also not procure non-RoHS components from our global vendors. Besides we will roll out only RoHS compliant products by the end of this fiscal. Presently, we have eight products including four desktops and three notebooks that are 100 per cent RoHS compliant. We also have 16 centers across the country where customers can come and surrender their old computers and we will handle the disposal.

CIOL: In what way is Greenpeace involved in this project?
AV: Greenpeace, a global NGO has been at the forefront of the campaign for clean production and safe recycling. Greenpeace wants the electronics industry to design products that are free from hazardous substances, easy to recycle, and do not expose workers to health risks during production or recycling. Greenpeace is convincing individual producer responsibility (IPR) for full take-back of their products at their end of life, and go beyond the EU RoHS directive in eliminating all hazardous chemicals.