Asian PC components giant Microstar International recently entered a new market. The company revealed plans to manufacture notebooks under its own brand this year and even showcased its first M3000 mobile computer fueled by Intel Centrino technology at CES 2004.

Notebooks produced by Asian makers, such as ASUS or ECS, under their own brand-names usually cost much less compared to first-tier PC companies, such as Dell or HP; however, their constantly growing popularity is a sign that their quality and performance are sufficient for the vast majority of potential customers. Although famous laptop companies have unveiled a number of cost-effective notebooks with very competitive price, most of such machines are not as powerful, as those offered by Asian companies.

ASUSTeK Computer, Elitecroup Computer Systems and some other notebook makers have very optimistic estimations for their mobile PC sales in 2004, moreover, some new companies, such as Gigabyte Technology, are trying to enter the laptop market, which once again reflects a very positive outlook for this business.

MSI is one of the world’s largest mainboards and graphics cards makers who also produces PC barebones, server barebones, optical drives, Tablet PCs, Internet and communication appliances as well as some other kinds of hardware. The company’s brand-recognition is pretty good, therefore, it really has chances to penetrate the market of mobile PCs in case its products are valuable enough.

The first available model, M3000, is a 15” notebook and is based on Intel Centrino technology featuring an Intel Pentium M processor, an Intel chipset and an Intel WLAN card. The part has built-in 4-in-1 card reader, high-speed optical storage drive, as well as FireWire and USB 2.0 connectors. The highest-end M3000 model utilizes ATI MOBILITY RADEON 9600 graphics solution.

MSI will supply not only pre-configured notebooks, but may also stick to so-called “barebone” strategy when end-users have opportunity to shape their future laptops on demand, something the company could not offer with its Table PCs revealed in 2003.

Later this year the company may deliver up to 10 more notebook models in an attempt to serve different needs of various markets.