Apple iPad may take away netbook demand

From Digitimes -

Per Paul Peng, executive VP of AU Optronics' global business unit, the Apple iPad may take away some demand from the netbook market because of the same price point.
iPad's US$499 starting price is very competitive and should provide Apple a chance to achieve annual sales of 10 million units, which is a significant since the current tablet PC market size is only about three million units a year. However, sales may be impacted by component shortages.

AUO to kindle rivalry with half-price e-readers

From Financial Times -

Taiwan-based flat-panel maker AU Optronics has begun shipping six- to nine-inch-sized e-readers to clients, including the world's largest cellular carrier, China Mobile.

It hopes to use its experience in making LCDs, as well as the sheer scale of its production, to make its readers affordable. A $150 reader could be available in 2010, while a $100 reader will ideally ship in 2011.

AUO to be top netbook panel maker in 2Q09

From Digitimes -


AU Optronics is likely to replace HannStar Display as the world's top netbook panel vendor in the Q2 2009 mainly on strong orders from Acer. Even though global shipments flattened at 3.1M units in May, AUO outpaced HannStar for the month due to Acer's 10.1" panel orders, which are likely to reach 1 million units for Q2 alone.

Acer's netbook shipments alone totaled 1.9 million units in Q1 and are expected to top 2.9 million units in Q2 with shipments of 10.1-inch models contributing to the sharp on-quarter growth.