Apple Reportedly Pressures Pegatron into Ceasing ASUS Zenbook Production
Digitimes reports on an article from Taiwanese newspaper Commerical Times claiming that Apple manufacturing partner Pegatron has ended its relationship with ASUS for production of the Zenbook under pressure from Apple. According to the report, Apple is displeased with the similarity in appearance between ASUS's Zenbook and the MacBook Air and forced Pegatron's hand with an ultimatum stating that Pegatron needed to choose one company or the other.
Apple reportedly was unhappy about Pegatron's production of Asustek's Zenbook models, which are similar to its MacBook Air, especially in its outer design, and therefore, demand Pegatron make a choice, claimed the paper, which added that Pegatron began to assemble iPhones for Apple in 2011 and is eager to solicit orders for next-generation iPads from the vendor.
Pegatron will reportedly wind down production of the Zenbook by next month as ASUS is forced to switch over to Compal or Wistron for manufacturing.
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/28/hp-envy-15-review-early-2012/
Good for Apple.
Why can't these companies design their own laptops and tablets.
Lazy people. Just do what Apple does. That's the new PC mantra.
ballsy...
:apple: please don't start the Wal-Mart philosophy of threatening your vendors.
But it is not a mba
This is bullying by Apple. Pure and simple
How is it bullying? It isn't as if Pegatron has a right to make products for Apple, or even that Apple is suing ASUS on a questionable design patent. Pepsi might voice displeasure if a significant supplier signed a big deal with Coke, or vice versa.
Of course. Why should Apple tolerate their supplier churning out fake Macbook Airs for someone else?
Apple is now in a position to do this, and more power to them.
In fairness, its not a bootleg MBA. If Apple has an issue with patent infringement...they should take it up with ASUS(and the courts).
Is Pegatron going to be bullied against making every ultrabook? They all end up looking like the Air...
For a good laugh, check out the design story behind the Zenbook: http://zenbook.asus.com/design/
Funny indeed.
You can also get a "Zenbook Rose Gold": http://zenbook.asus.com/zenbook/?c=rose_pink
The description is also hilarious.
1) Apple applied pressure illegally and is going to be hit with a lawsuit.
2) (as others have noted) Pegatron is dedicating their production capacity to Apple, and will have to pay terms to ASUS pursuant to their contract.
3) Apple licensed IP to Pegatron regarding unibody production, and Pegatron illegally used that IP for ASUS. Now Pegatron is halting ASUS production as fast as possible to avoid a lawsuit from Apple.
Or some other explanation. I doubt anyone on MR really knows.
[ Read All Comments ]
Accessory maker Moshi has released a new ultra-thin plastic shell protective case for the 11" and 13" MacBook Air models. This type of plastic case tends to be especially popular among...
Blizzard Entertainment said this week that it sold more than 3.5 million copies of Diablo III on launch day, setting the record for fastest-selling PC game. The company also sold 1.2 million copies...
Hard drive maker Seagate has announced it will purchase data storage device maker LaCie for roughly $186 million.
The company plans to buy the controlling stake owned by Philippe Spruch,...
Intuit has upgraded the iOS app for its Mint personal finance tool with two new "most-requested" features that should keep users from ever having to go to the Mint.com website. Until now,...
Wired points to a recent Technology Review interview with IBM chief information officer Jeanette Horan highlighting the issues of the "bring your own device" trend in which employees choose...
