LG sues Quanta

LG Electronics has filed a lawsuit against Quanta computers, a laptop manufacturer, over the infringement of four patents related to DVD technology, says ARNnet.

LG alleged that Quanta has been using the infringing technology to produce laptop PCs that have been supplied to US computer vendors.

The two companies have another outstanding patent lawsuit in the US, which LG expects a decision on in the first half of 2008.

Prices of the LCD displays used in computers and televisions are rising, and analysts and company executives expect further increases, as manufacturers enter one of the busiest selling seasons of the year, says Forbes.com.

The strength in LCD prices suggests that a majority of Asia's LCD makers will likely reverse losses to report a profit for the just-ended June quarter.

The price of a 17-inch LCD monitor panel rose to $127 in early July from $122 late June, according to Taiwan-based market research firm, WitsView Technology.

Sony launched its latest Vaio-branded TZ and CR-series notebook PCs in Taiwan on 5 July, says Digitimes.

The TZ range of notebooks, all available in 11.1-inch LED backlight displays, are priced between NT$62 900 and NT$69 800.

The Vaio CR13 has a 14.1-inch display and is available in four different colours, carrying a suggested retail price of NT$39 800.

In the past year, Apple's desktop and notebook share among medium-sized businesses more than doubled, says CRN Australia.

While desktop PC share grew from 13% to 27%, notebook PC share rose from 8% to 18%. For smaller firms with fewer than 100 employees, Apple's desktop PC market share grew from 7% to 12% and notebook share from 5% to 8% year-on-year.

Resellers report they are seeing an increase in demand for Apple products, not only from small and medium-sized customers, but also in enterprise markets.