Date:10/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/10/stories/2008051054871600.htm

Business

ASUS launches two niche products

Special Correspondent

Co-brands the products with carmaker Lamborghini
Initially the products will be available
in Delhi, Mumbai

— PHOTO: S. SUBRAMANIUM

NANO SPECIAL: Models showcasing the ASUS-Lamborghini VX3 Laptop and ASUS-Lamborghini ZX1 PDA phone during the launch at the Lamborghini showroom in New Delhi on Friday.

NEW DELHI: Targeting hi-end market, ASUS Technology Pvt. Ltd., a part of the Taiwan-based ASUSTeK Computer, on Friday introduced two of its niche products in India — a notebook and a PDA phone. Co-branded with luxury carmaker Lamborghini, the ASUS notebook has been priced at Rs. 2 lakh while the PDA phone comes with a price tag of Rs. 47,777.

The limited edition ASUS Lamborghini VX3 Notebook comes with a 12.1 inch wide screen and is based on Intel’s next generation Penryn-based Core 2 Duo CPU. VX3 is manufactured using the 45-nanometer process, the VX3 performs with better performance and battery life. It also has a built-in high-resolution webcam.

Similarly, the ASUS-Lamborghini ZX1 3.5G-enabled PDA phone is equipped with Bluetooth, is USB2.0 and GPS compatible.

It is also the first luxury PDA phone that runs on Windows Mobile. It has a 2.8-inch touch screen, a nine-way navigational key and a unique racing user interface that can be modified to the user’s mode of operation whether it be business or lifestyle.

Speaking at the launch function, ASUS General Manager (Asia Pacific, West Asia and Africa), Benson Lin, said “The launch of the Lamborghini ZX1 PDA phone and the VX3 notebook marks ASUS’ entry into the ultra-premium segment in India. We are most pleased to be associated with a world-class brand like Lamborghini and offer such exquisite products to the people.

The consumer mindset and taste is rapidly changing in India and we are confident that we will find the right kind of audience for these products in India.”

Initially, ASUS products will be available in Delhi and Mumbai and soon launched in other metros and cities. ASUS products will be available through its channel partners and also through some retail chains.