Acer CULV Plans

Internal sources at Acer have reportedly claimed today that the company is planning four systems based on Intel's CULV platform and could pose a significant threat to Apple. CENS hears that systems will launch as soon as April with 11.6-inch, 13-inch, 14-inch and 15-inch models appearing as part of the early lineup. Their technical details aren't known, though the 13-inch versions would use magnesium alloys to give them strength without impacting weight.

Although the claim is potentially suspect as it contradicts reports that the affordable ultra low-voltage processors won't be in notebooks until the summer, it backs claims that Dell, HP and other "large-sized international" computer companies are planning systems of their own that could arrive in May.

Regardless, the systems are already thought to likely dent sales of higher-end ultraportables from companies like Apple and Sony. Intel is known to be targeting systems between $599 and $1,299 with CULV and hopes to give both performance and size between slower, Atom-based netbooks and full-speed notebooks without the traditional $1,500 or higher prices of true ultraportables.

Apple has itself said it has "some ideas" for computers in the netbook class but has resisted their slow speeds and small sizes. It has also publicly resisted offering systems below $500 over quality concerns.

By Electronista Staff