Acer Middle East offers largest range of Centrino based notebooks in region

'The overall notebook market in the Middle East is growing in excess of 50 percent year-on-year, which is deeply satisfying, and Acer has recognized that there is increasing interest in notebooks equipped with Centrino technology,' said Krishna Murthy, general manager, Acer Computer (M.E.) Ltd.

'At Acer, we aim to meet the requirements of all consumers - especially those who want to roam free and still connect to the Internet. Until now our focus with mobile technology products has been on the high-end of the market, but we have recognized demand from other consumer segments. In response to this interest, we have launched two new Centrino-enabled TravelMate notebooks that are an affordable and attractive option for people entering the market for notebook computers,' added Murthy.

Opening Up Centrino to More Users in the Middle East
To meet the demand in the market for more affordable mobile solutions, Acer has launched the TravelMate 660 and the Travel Mate 290. Both models are based equipped with Centrino Mobile Technology and are ideal for SMB (small-medium business) and SOHO (small office, home office) users, based on the high performance they offer, along with thin and light design.

'The TravelMate 660 is an all-round business computer that provides ample power and includes various optical drive options and a four-in-one card reader, plus a 15 inch display. With these features, it is the ideal desktop replacement,' added Murthy.

'Additionally, the TravelMate 290 is the notebook that is perfect for consumers that want the latest and greatest technology - but they need to stick to a budget. The TravelMate 290 owner can work just about anywhere based on the wireless connectivity.'

Leading the Market
Acer has been able to take the market-leading step of introducing Centrino-based notebooks to entry-level and mid-market users based on experience it gained from being first-to-market in the Middle East with Centrino notebooks for top-end users.

Before the release of the Travel Mate 660 and the Travel Mate 290, Acer had satisfied consumers looking for Centrino-based notebooks with the Travel Mate 800 and the TravelMate Tablet PC C110.

'Taking a leading role in the market is important for us at Acer. In the first half of this year, we were the first ones to launch a Centrino-based notebook in the Middle East. Since then we have taken our expertise in this area to come up with two new TravelMate models that are reasonably priced and ideal for the needs of SMB and SOHO users,' said Murthy.

In July, Acer moved ahead of other players in the market by becoming the first regional IT vendor to launch a tablet PC with Intel Mobile Centrino technology - the TravelMate C110. With its capability to convert from the traditional laptop 'clamshell mode' for keyboard input to 'tablet mode' for use with a stylus pen - the TravelMate C110 gave Middle East users unprecedented ease-of-use, functionality, and versatility in computing.

'For Middle East users of mobile technology, Acer's introduction of the Intel Centrino technology - which is specifically designed for wireless and mobile computing - means that notebook PC technology is now capable of matching the power and utility of the newest generation of desktop computers. Further, it has added wireless capabilities and long battery life in a fully portable format,' concluded Murthy.