SINGAPORE - Flextronics has been given the go ahead by Dell to produce three notebook computer models for the company. Shipments are expected to start by the end of this year, according to a report in China’s Economic Daily News.

In addition, some industry reports state that Flextronics and Micro-Star International (MSI), a motherboard manufacturer in Taiwan, have also obtained orders from Dell for some desktop PC models.

Dell had recently announced plans to outsource more of its design and manufacturing in order to cut costs.

According to some reports, Flextronics is also reportedly negotiating with Hewlett-Packard (HP) to manufacture notebook products for that company as well.

QUEBEC, CANADA - Market Research firm Electronics.ca Publications has published a report entitled Printed & Organic Electronics Forecasts, Players & Opportunities 2008-2028, which reports that spending on printed and thin film electronics devices will be $1.58 billion this year.

The report states that of the technologies covered in the $1.58 billion market in 2008, only 27.8% of the components are currently printed electronics, but that level will rise to 79.6% by 2018. Also, while non-rigid substrate products (such as sensors and EL displays) account for only 15.7% of the market, this figure will also rise to 74% by 2018. The report goes on to state its assertion that the market opportunities are strongest for printed and flexible devices.

The report also indicates that printed electronics manufacturing as a percentage of the industry will increase significantly in the next 20 years.