The realm of smartphones used to be limited to corporate and business types, but with the introduction of devices like the BlackBerry Pearl and Apple iPhone, even the average Joe could make use of some extra functionality. We already have respected names like Research in Motion, HTC< and Asus doing the smartphone thing, but you can get ready for another major player in the form of Acer next year.

There are reports that Acer plans on selling its own line of self-branded smartphones starting in the first quarter of next year. Initial shipments are being slated for Western Europe and Russia, but I wouldn't be surprised if you were to find some Acer mobile phones in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other Asian markets. Where North America fits into the equation is questionable, seeing how Asus doesn't have much of a cell phone presence there either.

You already know Acer for its notebooks and netbooks. Soon, you'll know them for smartphones too.

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