Acer is planning to launch a 15-inch Ultrabook from fiberglass in early 2012.

Acer’s ultrabook from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), will keep the required lightweight (from Intel) and will make possible a 15-inch model to be approximately as light as the 13.3-inch one. On the other hand fiberglass is extremely strong and not as expensive as aluminum. Acer’s fiberglass cases will be supplied by Mitac Precision Technology.

Asus is expected to follow Acer and also use the fiberglass cases (from MPT) for its ultrabooks, according to industry sources. 

Acer was planning to release the 15-inch model in the fourth quarter of 2011, but decided to delay and launch it in 2012 due to unfavorable market conditions. The fiberglass cases will help bring down unit costs with prices of $5-10 USD, less expensive than those made of aluminum alloy and $20 USD cheaper for a whole ultrabook. Acer is expected to outsource the fiberglass ultrabooks to Compal Electronics. 

Via DigiTimes