[Rumor] Apple Forces Supplier (Pegatron) to Dump Asus' Ultrabooks Production

[dgstorm]

Here's a story that is not directly Android related, but we knew that many of our users would want to know about this story, and it seemed like a great opportunity to share our new sister-site: UltrabookForum.net. If this rumor turns out to be true, Apple has now sunk to a new low. Apparently, there are some insider sources that are saying Apple went to their primary supplier (the company Pegatron) of Apple Macbook Air products, and gave them an ultimatum. Supposedly, Apple told Pegatron that they would either have to dump Asus' new Zenbook ultrabooks or they would lose Apple as a customer for the Macbook Air and more. Pegatron has since complied with that demand from Apple.

The insider source further elaborated that Apple is irritated that the Asus Zenbook looks similar to their Macbook Air. It would seem that instead of trying to fight that particular battle in the courts like they do with smartphones and tablets, Apple decided to use gestapo strong-arm tactics with their partners. Pegatron won some iPhone contracts last year, and are trying to coax Apple into some iPad 3 contacts as well, so its not surprising that they opted to fold to Apple's demands and dump Asus. At the end of March, Asus Zenbook production will likely cease at Pegatron and continue at their competitors Compal or Wistron. Interestingly, Asus actually knows about this and is supposedly staying low-key about it, in an effort to be "flexible" with their supply chain. That seems rather magnanimous of them, but perhaps the issue isn't as big of a deal for them as the media might make it out to be.

Assuming that these rumors are accurate, this situation brings up a few obvious questions. One, if this strong-arm route continues to be useful for Apple, will they start to pull the same thing with other supply chain manufacturers? Two, if they do... could a backlash from their own manufacturers be very far behind, and/or could they eventually open themselves up for an international anti-competitive lawsuit?

Finally, when you look at the two ultrabooks together, you might scratch your head and wonder why Apple thinks it looks too similar to their product. So, just because it is thin, light, and metallic that makes it too similar? Share your thoughts.

If you are interested in ultrabooks, check out our sister-site @ Ultrabook Forum

Source: UltrabookForums.net via SlashGear
Image Source: Pocket-Lint.com

 

[Crankintopwater69]

WOW!!!!Its ok though,cos my bible says-You live by the sword,die by the sword-and it deserves one more WOW!!!!!!!

 

[johnomaz]

FFS...is that even legal?

 

[gcoken]

Walmart has used these tactics with there suppliers for years

 

[bigfake23]

I wonder if they will go to the company that makes most iphone components and tell them to stop making things for samsung. Out wait that company is samsung. haha. I would love nothing more than to see apple put all their efforts into things like these and the court battles and forget to just make good, cutting edge products to compete with everyone.

 

[dgstorm]

I would love nothing more than to see apple put all their efforts into things like these and the court battles and forget to just make good, cutting edge products to compete with everyone.

I would argue that would be the worst possible solution. I do not condone Apple's behavior at all, and in fact, it definitely seems foolish to me, but it is undeniable that Apple is healthy for the marketplace because they help either drive innovation forward or inspire innovation in their competitors. If they stopped competing entirely by no longer coming out with cutting edge products we wouldn't have the rapid pace of technological evolution that we have today.

Now, on the other hand, I would love to see Apple finally "reign in" their legal department. They have been on a tirade for quite some time now, and it makes me scratch my head as to how they can't see this behavior as tarnishing their reputation, in the long run. Their PR department must be tearing their hair out over this stuff. The best possible scenario would be for Apple to stop wasting time, money and resources on legal disputes and strong arm tactics, and focus instead on some new ideas and new products to light a renewed fire in the competition. At the very least, they are pretty good at running with other folks' ideas and creating a product that consumers will clamor for.

 

[bigfake23]

I would argue that would be the worst possible solution. I do not condone Apple's behavior at all, and in fact, it definitely seems foolish to me, but it is undeniable that Apple is healthy for the marketplace because they help either drive innovation forward or inspire innovation in their competitors. If they stopped competing entirely by no longer coming out with cutting edge products we wouldn't have the rapid pace of technological evolution that we have today.

I agree they are able to push innovation forward in a way no other company can. I would argue though by mostly packaging existing technology in a different way. There are very few things that Apple has actually "invented." The real issue with the legal stuff is our patent law. Apple should have never been granted half the patents it has.

 

[dgstorm]

I agree they are able to push innovation forward in a way no other company can. I would argue though by mostly packaging existing technology in a different way. There are very few things that Apple has actually "invented." The real issue with the legal stuff is our patent law. Apple should have never been granted half the patents it has.

I agree on all points.

 

[xsylus]

It seems like everyday Apple finds a new way to violate the "anti-trust" laws and they aren't being called out on it. Apple is getting too big and continues to show signs of attempting to become a monopoly. Microsoft corporation got split up for this nonsense why hasn't Apple been held to the same standard?

:soapbox:

 

[Jarhezion]

If I was in apples shoes I'd probably do the same.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using DroidForums

 

[SILVER COUPE]

I agree they are able to push innovation forward in a way no other company can. I would argue though by mostly packaging existing technology in a different way. There are very few things that Apple has actually "invented." The real issue with the legal stuff is our patent law. Apple should have never been granted half the patents it has.

their main innovator is dead. they nearly went bankrupt before they brought him back, and soon after they released the ipod, then the iphone. these two gadgets saved the company. maybe they realize that without steve jobs, this might be their only way to maintain an edge.