Gigabyte Technologies and MicroStar International (MSI), two leading producers of mainboards, reportedly plan to introduce their low-cost notebooks by the end of the second quarter, in about two months time. The new systems are not projected to reshape the market of entry-level computers, but are likely to proof overall popularity of affordable mobile computers.

MSI’s Wind laptops are expected to feature 8.9” and 10” screens, but no more technical data are known. The MSI Wind systems will be available in Europe at the price-points between €299 and €699 ($471 - $1103), reports Commercial Times news-paper (which article was partly translated by DigiTimes web-site). Earlier this year a representative for MSI said that the first low-end notebook from MSI would be based on Intel code-named Shelton processor/platform, but at that time it was indicated that the device would feature 7” screen, work under Linux operating system and be priced at $300 - $310.

Unfortunately, there are even fewer details available concerning Gigabyte’s low-cost notebooks, but what is generally believed is that Gigabyte Technology wants to sell its devices through telecommunication companies and concentrate mostly on Asian markets, at least initially.

After Asustek Computer’s Eee PC become more than successful in both Europe and the USA thanks to low price, many notebook makers started to mull their own affordable laptops. Some rumours say that Acer, Compal Electronics and Quanta Computer are on track to introduce their own low-cost systems in 2008, though, no details are present.

Numerous manufacturers pin a lot of hopes on low-cost mobile personal computers due to fears of economy recession; however, such low-end systems have a very low profit margin, which hurts overall profitability of those companies and affects their long-term ability to stay on the market.