Ever since it began seriously competing in Japan a few years ago, Taiwan-based computer maker Acer has been expanding its presence in a market long dominated by domestic brands.

"To become the worldwide No. 1, the Japanese market is essential," said Bob Sen, managing director in charge of the Japan and Korea region at Acer Inc., in an interview with The Japan Times last month.

Acer commands the second-biggest share of the global computer market after Hewlett-Packard Co. in terms of total shipments.