UMPC / Netbook Sourcing

[tim]

Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs), otherwise known as Netbook computers are relative new computer products. Designed to be smaller and lighter than traditional notebook computers, they usually carry a price tag that is similarly smaller.

The first generation of China produced UMPC's were extremely unimpressive with respect to quality, especially in terms of the casing. Current products produced by a wide range of factories however have fixed this problem with much better quality and looks at the same time. The extreme number of factories that have jumped on the UMPC bandwagon however has us concerned. When this has happened in other markets, the results often end up with extreme price competition, with component quality being slashed to the point where good designs are reduced to rubbish.

We have yet to be able to point to any specific instances of component quality rendering solutions unusable, however will be investigating this in depth prior to introducing any products in this area. The preliminary sourcing work we've done in this area has resulted in good looking units that perform well.

Jade Connections intends to formally publish a catalog of UMPC related products Q4 2009. If you need solutions in this area before then, please do let us know. We maintain relationships with several factories and suppliers of these items, and can provide quality cost effective solutions quickly.

-- Tim