Acer and ASUS said simplifying in Apple-like model

Original design manufacturer (ODM) contractors reportedly claimed Friday that Acer and ASUS would take a partial cue from Apple and simplify their product lines for 2012. The two would aim to trim costs and improve profit by having fewer but clearer models, Digitimes said. As an example, ASUS had over 10 Eee PC netbooks now, but it would have a "maximum" of five models in 2012 with clear high-end, middle, and low-end versions.

ASUS would cull from a massive line of over 50 total notebook and netbook designs on sale in 2011. Its focus would primarily be on gaming notebooks, ultrabooks, and $499 to $699 budget PCs.

Acer, meanwhile, would cut its own lineup by a third for 2012. Although this exact number wasn't confirmed, Acer has already gone on record as saying it would move away from cheaper PCs and towards ultrabooks.

The strategies are unlikely to be confirmed until well into 2012, but if true would reflect a view that Apple's emphasis on clear model lines and profit over volume were proving to be more successful. Although many Windows PC builders take the approach of covering as many price ranges and niches as possible, this often leads to having groups of poor-selling models and often having to run on very thin profit margins to help compensate for the extra development and production overhead. Apple has been accused of omitting budget notebooks and other important categories, but in simplifying has led to having virtually no weak points and room to keep higher profit margins.

By Electronista Staff