July 2, 002

Taiwan has emerged as a major global manufacturing base for Apple Computer, as Apple has been placing more orders with suppliers on Taiwan. Apple is also boosting procurements of other IT products from the island.

All of Apple's notebook PCs sold on the world market are now made in Taiwan, mainly by Quanta Computer Inc. And Elitegroup Computer Systems.

Quanta Computer had produced the "powerbook" notebook PCs for commercial use while Elitegroup focused on iBook models. The iMac desktop PCs with 15" CRT. Supplied by Hon Hai Precision, also enjoyed brisk sales on the world market.

After expanding its Asia procurement office based in Taiwan last year, Apple Computer has also consigned production of iMac desktop PCs with 15" LCD panels.
In order to avoid overconcentration of manufacturing operations, Apple recently transferred orders for powerbook notebook PCs to Compal.

Apple also placed orders for PDAs, flat panels, equipment for wireless telecom stations, and other computer peripherals with Taiwan suppliers.

Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision has also secured orders for about 700,000 units of eMac computers from Apple for educational purposes on the world market. Hon Hai struck a deal to procure the 17" display panels from Chunghwa Picture tubes.

In view of the popularity enjoyed by eMac, Apple has decided to promote sales of eMac to general consumers. This move is expected to help boost sales to over one million units.