Acer has set four directions for its business operations: touch panel PCs, smart hand-held devices, business-use products and government procurement projects, and display-based home-use digital devices for sale under the brands Gateway and Packard Bell, according to the company.

Acer has recognized an impairment of intangible assets of NT$3.5 billion (US$120.3 million) due to reduction in market value of some of its brands, resulting in a decrease of NT$1.30 in net asset value per share, and thus putting its 2012 operations into the red.

For touch panel PCs, Acer will launch ultrabooks and AIO (all-in-one) PCs equipped with touch panels, the company noted.

For smart hand-held devices, Acer will focus on Android- and Windows-based tablets and smartphones. Acer recently launched the 7-inch Iconia B1 for sale at NT$4,990 and will launch Windows RT tablets in the second quarter of 2013.

To promote sales of business-use products and compete for supply contracts from the government sector, Acer will beef up marketing in China, India, Thailand and other emerging markets. Acer acquired China-based brand Founder for this purpose, but the effect has so far been short of expectations, the company said.

Acer will launch Gateway and Packard Bell home-use digital audio/video devices equipped with wireless connections.