To all, Acer (recent Q licensee) to make pdQ-like devices. [would they have signed a Q license if the IPR for 3G was not required?]
Acer, Inventec to Make Products with PC/Telecom Functions
December 30, 1998 (TAIPEI) -- Acer Peripherals Inc. and Inventec Corp.
are exploring the global trend toward products with integrated personal
computer and telecommunications functions.
Acer Peripherals has invested NT$675 million to develop a new product
with Internet, electronic mail, digital transmission and mobile
telecommunications functions.
Acer executives said the new product will adopt third-generation mobile
phone technology to guarantee security and transmission quality. Currently,
only Finnish telecom equipment maker Nokia, San Diego-based Qualcomm
Inc. and Korea's LG Electronics are capable of producing such products.
To obtain part of the needed technology, Acer will pay NT$287 million in
royalties. The product is expected to make its debut in the year 2000.
Inventec Corp., the major original equipment manufacturer for Compaq
Computer Corp., is also pouring NT$500-600 million into the development
of a product that combines the functions of personal digital assistant (PDA)
and mobile phone. The company's aggressive expansion also includes the
production of business computers, workstations and servers.
Inventec's President, S.C. Lee, said his company is convinced the
combination of information and telecommunications technologies will be the
ultimate trend of the market. "Consumers are looking for computers and
mobile phones that are smaller in size and easier to use," Lee said. He added
that Inventec's strength in the production of notebook PCs and calculators
will be an asset in the development of the "product of the future."
Acer Peripherals has been approved for an NT$100 million R&D subsidy
and a NT$100 million zero-interest loan from the government for its new
product, while Inventec is currently applying for the government subsidy.
(Commercial Times, Taiwan) |
