Pegatron Technology, a manufacturer that builds computers for other tech companies, has reportedly given up orders to make Asus Zenbooks following pressure from Apple.
The news comes via Digitimes, citing a report from Commercial Times. Apparently Apple was unhappy with Pegatron making Zenbook ultrabooks, which look very similar to Apple's own MacBook Air -- that is to say, thin and wedge-like. Pegatron also makes iPhones for Apple, and the site reports the latter demanded Pegatron make a choice.
Not surprisingly, Pegatron chose Apple. Now the company's current Zenbook orders will stop by the end of March at the earliest, with Asus forced to find someone else to build its teeny-weeny laptops.
The paper cited by Digitimes mentions Pegatron won contracts to build iPhones last year, and is keen to build Apple's iPad 3. The sad thing is Pegatron used to be part of Asus, before being spun off a couple of years ago -- in fact, Asus is short for 'Pegasus'. It's like your little brother has joined the school bully's gang and given you a wedgie.
If these reports are true, then from the factory's point of view I can see why Pegatron would stick with the doubtless super-profitable Apple deal. The worry, of course, is that if Apple is insisting on manufacturers not assembling products that rival its own, that could negatively impact companies like Asus' chance to compete.
Our resident laptop guru Andrew Hoyle was really impressed with the Asus Zenbook UX21 when he reviewed it, awarding it four and a half stars and praising its powerful performance and reasonable price. Andy also landed the Zenbook with our laptop of the year award.
Apple is fighting its rivals on other fronts too, hitting competitors in the smart phone and tablet world with a barrage of legal blows, the latest being patent infringement claims regarding the Samsung Galaxy Nexus' software.
What do you think? Does Apple have too much control over the market? Hit me with some feedback in the comments, or over on our Facebook wall.
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Comments 15
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Naryan 13 February, 2012 18:18
Well... Apple *did* invent all shapes...
These people are more evil than Scientology. And that's just the press...
Andrew Sparkes 13 February, 2012 18:21
This makes me fear for the future of Apple.
If Apple gets into the habit of simply shutting down rival products, they have no real impetus to improve their own.
Which means Apple's knack for innovation will start to flounder as they get lazier in the field of trying to out-do other companies, preferring to try and run a monopoly instead.
In short: SCREW YOU, APPLE.
anonymous 13 February, 2012 19:14
Samsung should follow Apple's footstep and stop supplying them with electronics. Talk about fair competition.
1000105421 13 February, 2012 21:56
Awww.. the world take-over has started...
Dean Shepherd 13 February, 2012 21:59
Andrew, I would say that Apple has already slowed in its innovation department...now they just seem more interested in shutting everyone else down then actually producing something anymore...they just rip most things off and call it their own.
yes they may have pushed the smartphone market MORE into the hands of the everyman, but thanks to them we forget it was companies like Nokia with Symbian and its N series phones that MADE the smartphone..but alas....dead in the water there...
no doubt this and other similar comments will be face by apple lawers to be removed :P
anonymous 13 February, 2012 22:01
I must admit I do like apple products but the way they are treating its competition and believing they created everything since the wheel is disgusting. The major problem is that apple has become the company they always opposed and detested. We all remember the 1984 advert. Will this behavior stop people buying apple products? Probably not, but other companies are closing in on the intuitiveness of their os and atheistically pleasing design which is what I think makes apple so successful and could explain why they are suing everyone as they see there could be a turning point in its success. I always wonder whether these laws on copyright are too restrictive in a sense that they may well be hindering competitiveness? Maybe I am wrong here but I just feel without them, companies would more like strive for greater variations in technological developments than **** and moan about tedious things such as the invention of "swipe to unlock" cough cough apple
anonymous 14 February, 2012 02:16
Isn't that too much? Behind the back competition >.<
Well true, if apple can do that, then samsung can do that as well and the list will go on. Poor OEM dependent companies O_O
shauney3 14 February, 2012 10:08
"The major problem is that apple has become the company they always opposed and detested."
Completely agree, well said!
Geeb 14 February, 2012 13:37
Apple does seem to be intent on creating a world where any product they don't make (or service they don't screw a huge chunk out of in royalties) must be stopped at all costs
World domination by a bunch of reactionaries in California who appear to believe they own every patent & means of production.
They are a loathesome company
anonymous 14 February, 2012 13:42
I like it, this is beginning of the end for Apple.
anonymous 14 February, 2012 22:12
shame on apple. this will merely spur companies on. protectionism never works. there is always someone else. if your product is good enough it will sell on merit.
googlerules 15 February, 2012 00:44
Apple needs to try shutting down every product that has a chance of taking on their product. The Galaxy lineup has felt it the worst overall. Perhaps someday the Apple Cult will wake up and choose to think for themselves... without the followers, they don't have power. hehe
anonymous 19 February, 2012 12:12
Pegatron also makes iPhones for Apple, and the site reports the latter demanded Pegatron make a choice. I think this fair.
I think given the head of Apple has died their insecurity is understandable You have a huge company which may not have a new creative leader. It's all very well wishing the demise of this company but without Apple being here in the first place the level of design in this type of hardware might be questionable?
I don't like their defensive marketing, and greedy retail structure but I understand why they do it. They've built a model where they have to keep updating their designs and software to keep us interested. If this slows down through fear and un-clear leadership so will their sales. Therefore you don't have to wish them harm because they've already pointed the gun at their feet. : )
anonymous 29 February, 2012 06:05
Apple should be sued for breaking Antitrust laws.
anonymous 9 May, 2012 21:08
Pegatron who makes iPhones for Apple is owned by Asus :-) , Apple is a marketing company - *BSD OS + Polished GUI + Intel CPU = Overpriced Product that will help your EGO, troll-LOL-LOL (http://www.reghardware.com/2012/05/09/ten_inch_ipad_set_for_q4_launch/) , TBH there is maybe 10 companies that actually manufacture anything , rest is branding to give us a perspective of choice ;-) Psychology + Marketing and you can sell sh*** for BIG $$