As Acer CEO Gianfranco Lanci recently pointed out that the company is set to launch its first tablet PC on November 23 at a price range of US$299-699, market watchers pointed out the model is expected to be based on the Wintel platform and is launched to satisfy demand from telecom carriers. The market watchers noted that Acer internally is still putting its hopes on Android-based models scheduled for the end of the first quarter 2011.

The Wintel model is believed to be manufactured by Quanta Computer and Wistron, the market watchers added. However, Quanta declined to comment on specific clients, while Wistron at its recent investors meeting pointed out that the company currently is manufacturing tablet PCs for four clients and the devices are unlikely to contribute significantly to revenues in 2011.

Since the strong demand of Apple's iPad is creating a serious impact on telecom carrier's netbook sales, while Apple does not sell its iPad through telecom channel,s US-based telecom carriers including Verizon, AT&T and Sprint as well as Acer are hoping that the Wintel tablet PC will help balance the tablet PC market from leaning further toward Apple.

The watchers also believe that Acer will announce its partnership plans with telecom carriers at its tablet PC launch show at the end of November.