Asustek Transformer Said to Top All Non-iPad Tablet Shipments in June

Taipei, June 10, 2011 (CENS)--Asustek Computer Inc. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jerry Shen said yesterday that the company will ship 300,000 systems of Asus EeePad Transformer tablet PC in June alone, likely topping all non-iPad shipments from the company's competitors.

Citing statistics provided by PC retailers, the company's chairman, Johnny Shih, said all suppliers of non-iPad tablet PC have cut down shipment goals at a time when demands for Asus EeePad Transformer remain strong. Asustek launched the unique tablet PC, which doubles as a netbook when clipping into an optional keypad, early this year.

Shen pointed out that the company shipped a total of around 400,000 Transformers in April and May, far exceeding the 300,000 systems set for the second quarter. Based on the prosperous shipments, the company will not rule out the possibility of hiking shipment goal for this year in August, according to Shen.

Shen pointed out that tablet PC will bring in revenue of NT$2.5-3 billion (US$86.7-103 million at US$1:NT$29), accounting for 10% of the company's total revenue for June.

The company set its consolidated revenue goal for the second quarter at NT$73.9-77.5 billion (US$2.5-2.6 billion), staying flat to increasing 5% from the same quarter of last year.

Shen also estimated European market and mainland China market would turn strong in the third quarter although demands there have been weak in the second quarter.

When asked if Asustek's sales would be affected by Acer's clearance sales campaign aimed at depleting inventories in European retailers, Shih asserted that his firm's sales would not be affected because Asustek will introduce new products to counter the campaign.

The company is said to introduce second generation of the tablet in the fourth quarter to capitalize on the Christmas shopping season. Shih said next-generation Transformer will come in a slimmer design.