2009 is the year of MSI - says MSI

While MSI's been slinging us its Wind netbooks for the past 12 months, it's also been banging out its unbranded gear to just about anyone else who fancies a re-badge job on the quick, no questions asked. Take the PC Word Advent 4211 , the Aldi Akoya Mini E1210 and LG's X110 - all MSI Wind netbooks by another name. Now though, it's taking a leaf out of HTC's book and pushing its own brand a little harder - starting with us here in Western Europe.

Already this year we've had the announcement of X-Slim X320, and just yesterday the X-Slim X600 and X340. Now, judging by this news we can expect even more MSI announcements.

Digitimes writes: "Taiwan-based motherboard maker Micro-Star International (MSI) has set 2009 as its initial year of shifting business focus from ODM/OEM to OBM (own-brand manufacturer)."

According to the paper, the Taiwanese maker is expecting to push its own-brand output from 50% to up to 65% of sales, placing its re-badge jobs more on the back burner as it focuses on getting its name more recognised among the laptop big boys.

Digitimes also notes that: "For 2009, MSI will focus its marketing in Western Europe". Better get ready for an MSI advertising and PR onslaught.

[ Digitimes]