Taiwan Makers: Ultrabooks are Less Desirable in Europe

The proportion of global sales of notebooks for ultrabooks in 2012 is estimated at only 20%, lower than a target of 30% or even 40% as expected by Intel, and this is mainly because ultrabooks are less desirable in Europe.

The above statement is according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Sources of Digitimes say consumers in Europe prefer notebook models of 15-inch or more. Of notebooks available for sale in the global market currently, 40-45% are 15-inch models but there are no 15-inch ultrabook models. Digitimes further indicated that 35-40% are of 14-inch models and only Hewlett-Packard (HP) has launched a 14-inch ultrabook, the Envy 14 Spectre, but its price is as high as US$1,399.99.

In addition, ultrabooks have so far been launched to test market response and if vendors want to increase sales, they have to lower prices from US$1,000 to US$699.

It was pointed out that,

Specifically for the North America and Europe, Acer plans to launch 14- and 15-inch Timeline Ultra series notebooks featuring a slim design, Instant-on technology, and Always Connect technology.

Source:  Digitimes