BenQ prepares to enter netbook arena

BenQ has plans to cash in on the lucrative netbook market with the release of Joybook Lite by the end of November.

Powered by an Intel Atom processor, the Joybook Lite will have a 10.1 inch screen size with a camera and Bluetooth wireless capabilities. “Portability is the main factor as the Joybook Lite will be small in size and lightweight. When we travel, we don’t use a regular notebook for anything other than using the internet, so a netbook is a good option,” commented Manish Bakshi, BenQ general manager for Middle East and Africa.

Though BenQ is not exhibiting at Gitex this year, Bakshi took time out to speak to the media about the company’s plans in the Middle East.

Launching by the end of November, the Joybook Lite “will target second-time buyers, including sales people, students and older people that just want to use the internet,” Bakshi added.

Speaking on the company’s regional growth, Bakshi revealed that “this year has been very special as our total revenue has gone up by 35%, with our profits being up by 30%. We expect to do similarly next year as well.”