The market of netbook computers emerged only about a year ago, but popularity of such low-cost ultra-portable systems appears to be so high that the top suppliers of personal computers now battle each other in order to become the biggest netbook vendor.

Acer Group, the world’s third largest supplier of PCs, said that it expected its Acer Aspire One netbook to outsell Asus Eee PC mobile computer already this year. Considering that Acer is considerably larger PC vendor than Asustek Computer, there is no surprise that Acer has all chances to be more successful, but since Asus Eee PC is a substantially broader product family, it remains to be seen which of the two becomes the top netbook vendor in 2008.

Asustek Computer intends to ship five million Asus Eee PC netbooks in 2008, whereas Acer Group plans to sell six million Acer Aspire One computers this year.

“The netbook segment is growing very nicely,” said Acer chief executive offiver Gianfranco Lanci during the company’s third quarter investors’ conference in Taipei on Friday, reports IDG News Service.

It should be noted that Asus Eee PC product family includes over 20 different models, whereas Acer Aspire One line features less than 10 variations. Nevertheless, Acer is a much larger company with higher amount of sales channels, hence, the chances of Acer to become the top netbook maker already in 2008.

Acer Aspire One comes with 8.9” screen with 1024×600 resolution and is based on Intel Atom N270 (1.60GHz) processor as well as Intel 945GMS and ICH7-M core-logic with integrated graphics core. The notebooks are equipped with 512MB or 1GB (Windows XP version only, model AOA150-1570) of PC2-5300 (DDR2 667MHz) memory, 8GB solid state drive (Linux version, model AOA110-1722), 120GB hard disk drive (Windows XP version, model AOA150-1570), memory card reader, 1.3MP webcam, Ethernet controller, Wi-Fi controller, Bluetooth controller, audio outputs, USB ports and so on. The weight of the machine starts at about 1Kg (2.2 pounds). In addition, Acer recently introduced the Aspire One model AOA150-1447, which offers a six-cell battery, 160GB internal hard drive and Windows XP Home.

Besides Asustek Computer and Acer, Dell, HP, Lenovo and other top PC vendors ship their netbooks.