Ultrabook Likely to Replace 40% of Traditional NB PCs in 2012

Taipei, Aug. 5, 2011 (CENS)--Heavily promoted by its developer Intel, Ultrabook PC, an ultrathin, lightweight laptop, may command a 40% share of the market for traditional notebook models by the end of 2012 to benefit the Taiwanese PC industry, according to market observers of HSBC Securities Taiwan.

The observers pointed out that since unveiling the next-generation laptop, Intel has spared no efforts on promotion, and launched a new CPU specifically for the device. This constitutes the reason for possible success of Ultrabook. As soon as its sales price drops to a more reasonable level, the product may quickly replace a large number of traditional laptops in the future.

However, in addition to the current high sales price, output deficiency has also undermined the popularity of Ultrabook PC for the moment, admitted the observers. They noted that output has yet to ramp up enough to saturate the market, mainly because the existing parts suppliers have struggled with production switch, especially when most of their production lines are still rolling for traditional notebook PC parts. So, Intel is less likely to achieve a significant progress with Ultrabook this year.

But, given that the supply chain fully works and the sales price slides, the observers stated, Ultrabook is likely to emerge as a hot-seller in the market next year, though the product is expected to contribute less than 10% to the overall shipment of traditional notebook PCs this year.

For sure, the expected rise of Ultrabook will grant new business chances to Taiwanese parts suppliers, especially those who are less dependent on traditional notebook PC customers, such as Catcher Technology, Foxconn Technology (PC housings) and Simple Technology (batter packs).

Also, Ultrabook can serve as a strong profit booster for Taiwanese PC brands which have tried to improve their comparatively low average selling prices with more niche products, such as Acer and Asus, said the observers.