First International Computer (FIC) launched its ultra-mobile PC (UMPC), the CE260, during Computex 2007 in June, and the company anticipates noticeable shipments growth in 2008 on buoyant OEM orders seen recently. As the specification and price tag of the UMPC are similar to Asustek Computer's Eee PC, industry watchers have noted the possibility of competition arising between the two devices.

The CE260 is built on VIA Technologies' VIA C7-M processor and VX700 chipset. It supports a 7-inch WVGA touch screen and a 1.8-inch hard disk drive (HDD) that can be up to 30GB in capacity.

Shipments to OEMs will include Microsoft Windows XP while a Linux model is planned in the first quarter of 2008, said FIC. Pricing is set at the equivalent of below NT$14,000 (US$434) in Europe and the price for the Linux model will be lower, the company noted. FIC highlighted the fast boot up time (about 10 seconds) of the upcoming Linux model and added in saying that new models featuring a 9- and 11-inch panel are planned.

FIC indicated that it is seeing satisfactory booking from European OEMs currently. The company aims to ship about 50,000-60,000 units of the 7-inch panel model to OEMs during the first quarter of 2008. Shipments under the brand Everex CE, are expected to hit 20,000-30,000 during the initial stage. The Everex CE series will be introduced to China, Europe, Taiwan and the US, the company added.

UMPC CE260 from FIC. A Linux-based version to launch in 1Q08
Photo: Company

Everex CE series notebook specification

Item

Detail

CPU

VIA C7R-M ULV with 1.2GHz frequency

Memory

DDR2 533/667 memory up to 1GB

Storage

1.8-inch hard drive with capacity up to 30GB

Size (mm)

230×171×29

Display

7-inch WVGA touchscreen LCD

Price

Lower than NT$14,000 (US$432.95)

- End -