LG Electronics has chosen South Africa as its next pilot site to break away from its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) status and introduce a range of LG branded notebooks to the market, starting with the high-end LM50, with the smaller LM40 to follow soon. This follows successes in Russia and Australia.
"LG has already established a strong reputation within the IT sector, by manufacturing notebooks on an OEM basis for other brands. Now the LG brand is ready to extend its IT range to notebooks," says Johann van Wyk, LG`s national sales manager for IT products.
"The move is in line with general LG policy aimed at becoming the world`s leading branded electronics manufacturer," says Van Wyk. "The market is showing a preference for branded PCs and with LG being a trusted market leader in monitors and optical storage, the notebook range will be well received."
"South Africa was chosen as LG`s next test market because notebooks are rapidly eating into the local desktop market, but LG is banking on extended battery life, high resolution 15-inch screens, and distinctive slim styling as the key differentiators for the range," says Van Wyk.
"LG`s notebooks feature sophisticated power management technology, ensuring up to six hours standard battery life and up to 10 hours with an optional nine cell battery," enthuses Van Wyk. "The notebooks enable a high level of mobility with advanced quad band antennae systems, network readiness, and low weight and thickness at 2.4 kg and 26.4 mm respectively."
Van Wyk says LG`s initial offering is a high-end Intel Centrino notebook aimed at the top-end corporate user and will be used to test local conditions for the remainder of this year. "We aim to be a strong player in the premium notebook market by next year, when a wider range of notebooks will be introduced, including a Celeron-based entry level model."
Van Wyk says the LG range of notebooks will be exclusively available through Bethesda, with LG expanding its distribution channel as demand increases.
"Although LG`s agreements with other notebook manufacturers will continue, the company`s entry into the notebook market is part of a strategic shift into extending LG`s brand equity."
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