Notebook makers Quanta Computer, Compal Electronics, and Wistron are looking to cooperate with, or invest in magnesium alloy case makers, according to the notebook manufacturers. Also, Asustek Computer said it is evaluating its own design and manufacturing capabilities for developing magnesium alloy cases.

    In addition to magnesium alloy cases having better margins than plastic cases,the costs of the magnesium alloy cases have dropped considerably,falling by more than 50%,the notebook makers stated.The cases have also become a key selling point for notebook makers looking to grab orders from international vendors, with Compal being a case in point, winning a recent major Dell notebook orders for 2006 by offering a notebook with a magnesium alloy case,the makers indicated.

    Magnesium alloy case manufacturers include specialists Catcher and Waffer,and Foxconn Electronics(the registered trade name for Hon Hai Precision Industry) has developed its production abilities through its subsidiary Foxconn Precision Components.

    In addition, Mitac Precision Technology(MPT),a member of Mitac International,plans to install eight die-casting machines at its Kunshan plat,jiangsu province(China),by the end of this year,according to Francis Tsai,Vice chairman of Mitac International.