According to the Digitimes which seems to have broken several stories as of late, Acer Computers (TPE:2353), the second largest computer maker is readying a series of ultra thin portable notebooks for the second quarter of 2010 that will be based on the Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) Calpella platform. The move comes as Acer delays plans for its e-book reader and faces stronger competition from the likes of Samsung, Asus and HP.

The new Acer notebooks are currently being referred to by their codename of Calpella Slim, referencing the fact that these notebooks will measure under one inch in thickness at their thinnest point. The Calpella Slim line will be available with screen sizes ranging from 13-inches to 15-inches with Wistron being responsible for the manufacturing of the 13-inch model while Quanta Computer will take care of the 14-inch and 15-inch models.

Acer currently has an ultra thin notebook line and in an effort to differentiate and prevent confusion in the consumer electronics market, the Taiwanese company expects to discount prices on their current models with the potential of the Calpella line being its major brand down the road.

According to JT Wang, Acer Chairman, the sales of CULV laptops have shown a significant drop due to weak performance, even with the inclusion of a stronger performing battery. As such, the hope is that the Calpella powered laptops which provide better performance and portability will regain some of this lost market share.

Via: Digitimes