It's reported that Chi Mei Optoelectronics (CMO) is aiming to have the world's largest capacity for IT panels by the end of 2009 in terms of capacity from its fifth-generation (5G), 5.5G and 6G lines.

In terms of substrates, CMO has a total monthly capacity of 325,000 units at its two 5G lines currently, and will have a monthly capacity of 50,000 units at its 6G line by the end of 2008, according to updates by the company about its fab development. CMO said, they will have a monthly capacity of 1.32 million square meters available for IT applications from its 5G, 5.5G and 6G lines by the end of 2009.

CMO is expected to lead its chief competitors AU Optronics (AUO), LG Display, and Samsung Electronics in terms of capacity for IT applications. By the end of 2009, AUO, LG Display and Samsung are expected to have capacities of 1.26 million square meters, 757,000 square meters and 572,000 square meters, respectively, for the segment.

CMO estimates that the global low-cost notebook market will total 12 million units in 2008, rising to 18 million units in 2009, and 26 million units in 2010. CMO said it aims at taking 15% of the low-cost notebook panel market in 2008, 20% in 2009, and 22% in 2010. Apart from 7-inch panels for low-cost notebooks, CMO also plans to launch 7.5-, 8.9, and 10.1-inch panels.

CMO predicts LED backlighting to have 22% of the global notebook panel market in 2009, and CMO expects that almost 35% of its notebook panels will adopt LED backlighting next year, and over 50% in 2010.