Global demand for NB PC will grow to 116 M. units in 2008

Global demand for notebook personal computers (PCs) is expected to sharply grow to 116 million units in 2008 from 93 million units that will have been sold in all of 2007, according to a report issued by Topology Research Institute (TRI).

Besides, a significant expected growth in demand for consumer notebook PCs next year will benefit such globally well-known brands as Acer and Apple, who both have focused on promoting consumer models, and related contract suppliers like Wistron Corporation.

Limited by shortages of parts and components, sales of notebook PCs in the global market is conservatively estimated by TRI at 93 million units for this year, lower than the corresponding projections by any other institutes.

However, fueled by reducing prices in notebook PCs, demand for the products will definitely exceed one million units to stand 116 million units in 2008, up 24.73% from this year, according to TRI.

As consumer notebook PCs have served as growth momentum stronger than commercial models, world's major brands have heavily launched new consumer models this year. Acer debuts its Gemstone series notebook PC this year, which features stylish exterior design and Dolby Sound. The new machine has been well received among consumers.

To meet the need of general consumers, Apple has already adopted Intel's central processing unit in its MacBook and remade the machine able to operate with both Microsoft's Window and Apple's operating systems. The move has helped Apple to see sales of MacBook shoot up in recent two years. TRI projected that Apple will post an average growth of 30% in its sales for next year, effectively pushing up its market share by about one percentage point in the year.

Coincidentally, contract suppliers of notebook PCs will also benefit from the considerable demand. At the moment, Taiwan's top five suppliers absorb nearly 80% of orders for the products worldwide, and, to keep growing, will have to scramble for shifting orders from major brands. Among them, Wistron has landed quite a few orders form HP and Dell this year, and will expectedly boost its shipment by over 40% to 17 million units for next year from 12 million this year, projected by TRI.

On other hand, demand for budget-price laptops, including XO and Eee PC, have boomed, which all feature lightweight and compactness. This will trigger more need for small- and medium-sized display panels.

As suppliers of light-emitting diode (LED) continue improving LED backlights in power efficiency and lightness, a penetration rate of the parts is expected to move up to 8% next year from this year's 5%.

source & copyright: CENS