Acer is planning to launch several Intel CULV based notebooks in late April. Interestingly, the outfit will have 11.6, 13, 14 and 15-inch models based on the new platform. When it introduced its first Atom netbooks, Acer chose to stick with just one design, the aptly named Aspire One that is. When it comes to CULV notebooks, it seems we will have a lot more to choose from.

Quanta has gotten the contract to build the 11.6-inch model, Inventec will take care of 13-inch production, while Wistron will build 14 and 15-inch Acer CULVs. The 13-inch model will use a magnesium aluminium alloy housing, so we're expecting it to end up thin, light and hopefully stylish. Obviously the 13-inch form factor is the most heavily contested market segment, as most vendors are launching similar models, and we're expecting quite a few 11.6-inch units to appear as well.

However, this is the first time we've heard of a CULV based 14-incher, and so far only MSI has shown off a 15.6-inch model, the X-Slim X600. Although the CULV platform is primarily intended for very light and thin 11 to 13-inch notebooks, we think bigger models are also a very interesting concept. Unlike the compact models, which are basically meant to be your second, or even third PC, these 14 or 15-inch dual-core notebooks could completely replace desktops for a wide range of consumers. They should end up weighing under 2kg, and looking much better than regular notebooks with similar panel sizes. Add to that a reasonable price tag, and vendors could have a winner on their hands.

Goldman Sachs is expecting CULV notebooks to sell for between $560 and $700, although we already know the top spec'd models will sell for just under $1000. Interestingly, market watcher believe CULV notebooks could end up with a 20 percent market share in the global notebook market, as consumers turn to cheaper and lighter machines in lieu of feature packet high-end notebooks.

We hope to find out more about Acer's upcoming CULV offer soon.

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