Computer manufacturer Acer – fresh from an assault on the mobile smartphone space – plans to boost profitability to its highest level since 2004 by offering an online applications store and its first electronic book reader by the middle of this year. In an interview with Bloomberg, Jim Wong, president IT products, also said the world’s second-largest computer vendor plans to introduce its first netbook running Google’s Chrome browser in the third quarter. Moving into new products will help the company boost its net income margin to 3 percent within two years, Wong said, reported Bloomberg. Acer’s consolidated net-income margin fell to 1.9 percent for the first nine months of 2009, from 3.1 percent for the whole of 2004, after it bought PC suppliers Gateway, EMachines and Packard Bell, and smartphone maker Eten Information Systems. Acer shares more than doubled last year.

The applications store will be unveiled around the middle of the year with software to support Google’s Android platform, currently used on Acer’s netbooks and smartphones, as well as Microsoft’s Windows and Windows Mobile system. Acer’s first e-book reader will feature a 6 inch monochrome screen and be distributed initially in up to five European countries. Previous reports have suggested that the company is prepping a wide portfolio of Android-based smartphones this year. Its first foray into the mobile market was announced at last year’s GSMA Mobile World Congress.