Asustek Computer has received OEM orders for the iPod mini digital music player from Apple Computer, according to market sources. Asustek is the second Taiwan-based manufacturer of the digital devices since Inventec Appliances also produces the iPod for Apple. Asustek will assemble and ship the iPod to Apple from its plant in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province (China), the sources said.
The iPod orders will help Asustek in working toward its goal of becoming a key provider of consumer electronics products, the sources noted. In related news, Inventec is expected to continue to supply Apple with its current iPod models. In addition, Inventec is also likely to secure orders for a similar version of the iPod from Hewlett-Packard (HP), the sources said. Apple and HP entered into an agreement earlier this year for HP to resell the iPod under the HP brand.
Asustek and Inventec both declined to comment on the report, citing client confidentiality