Taiwan Today

Taiwan-based Acer Inc. made public the world’s first notebook computer featuring three-dimension effect in Taipei Nov. 11. The notebook features a 15.6-inch screen and software that supports 3D movies and can convert standard 2D pictures, movies and video games into 3D. The retail price has been set at NT$37,900 (US$1,166), roughly NT$5,000 more than traditional laptops on the market. Users will need to don stereoscopic glasses to experience the 3D effects. However, Scott Lin, president of Acer’s Taiwan operations, said the company is developing a model for which glasses will not be required that he expects to be launched within the next two years. The new 3D notebook’s main special characteristic is that it does not necessitate a switch away from the original 2D format and does not require a high specification platform to operate. With more and more 3D movies being released all the time, including some 15 this year, Acer said it is optimistic that the new notebook will be a success when it hits the market. As for the problem of dizziness caused in users of 3D notebooks, Lin said Acer’s tests showed that only about 6 percent of users experience such symptoms and that they are overcome within a short period of time. (SB)