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TV maker Vizio to launch laptops and PCs

Vizio, a US leader in HDTV sets, plans to reveal details of its entry into the notebook and all-in-one market at CES 2012, after using the show last year to launch its Via tablet
By David Meyer, Contributor
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Vizio TV

TV maker Vizio has used CES 2012 to reveal it plans to start selling desktop and laptop PCs. While it released images of its upcoming models on Friday, it has yet to provide details of their specs, prices or distribution.

In the UK, the company already sells its Via tablet — not to be confused with the semiconductor firm Via — through a distributor for about £210. However, it is mainly known as a leading flat-screen TV set maker in the US.

Now Vizio is moving into the PC market with two all-in-one systems and three notebooks, although it is not clear whether the products will make their way to British shores.

Vizio chief technology officer Matt McRae was quoted by the Financial Times as saying the company will try to repeat its strategy in the TV market, in terms of providing up-to-date features at low prices. Nonetheless, it has not said yet what the upcoming products will cost.

"We've built a business model and strategy to identify markets that have matured and have slowed and then turn them upside down," McRae said. "This will definitely have that Vizio value equation, where the amount of features you are going to get for a certain price point will be outstanding."

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Vizio desktop close-up

There will be two all-in-ones, with screens measuring 27 inches and 24 inches respectively, Vizio told ZDNet UK's sister site CNET News.

Each DLNA-enabled desktop PC will come with a remote control, wireless keyboard and mouse, and sub-woofer.

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3 of 3 Vizio

Vizio netbook

There will also be three Vizio notebooks.

The company plans to release 'thin-and-light' 14-inch and 15.6-inch laptops, as well as a second 15.6-incher with "extreme portable performance", McRae said.

Although Vizio has not yet released specifications, the company's product shots clearly show HDMI and USB 3.0 ports.


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