World PC Shipments May Increase by 7.1% in 2009, Researcher MIC Says

Global PC shipments will grow by 7.1 percent in 2009, with netbook computers providing the main momentum, Taiwan research organization Market Intelligence Center (MIC) said in a report released late last year. Shipments in 2009 will increase to 300 million units from 270 million units in 2008, according to MIC, an organization partially funded by the Taiwan government. MIC defines notebook PCs as products with display sizes of 10.4 inches and larger and netbook PCs as products with display sizes between 7 inches and 10.2 inches. In 2009, for the first time in the nearly 30-year history of the personal computer, shipments of notebook computers will exceed desktop computers as unit sales of netbooks double, MIC said. “Although netbook PC shipments will see significant growth rates, this product type is only in the early stages of development," MIC analyst Nicole Huang said in a Nov. 25 report. "The global notebook PC industry is about to enter maturity. This development towards maturity will be further pushed by the weakness of the overall economy.” A recession that is spreading globally has eroded optimistic expectations early in 2008 for growth in the global PC market. PC buyers are likely to prefer computers that are more affordable, allow greater mobility and provide lower power consumption, according to MIC. Taiwan PC brands will have the advantage in providing netbook computers to gain global market share in 2009, the research organization said. In October 2007, Taiwan’s Asustek Computer launched the world’s first Eee PC, a miniature notebook computer with wireless internet connectivity and other consumer-oriented features. The Eee PC since became one of the hit products during 2008 in the PC business. Following Asustek’s lead, the world’s leading vendors have rushed to offer similar products. Two vendors that had a strong focus and acted quickly in the mini-notebook segment are Asustek and Acer Inc., U.S. market research firm Gartner Inc. said in October, adding that both companies experienced robust growth. Although most major vendors now have their own mini-notebook offerings, it will be a challenge for these vendors to match or beat the market expansion that Asustek and Acer have attained so far during this year, Gartner said. Taiwan companies account for about 90 percent of the world’s notebook PC production, and most of these companies manufacture their products under contact for the world’s largest brand name companies in the business. Global notebook shipments next year will increase by 11.3 percent to about 138 million units from 124 million units in 2008, according to MIC. Netbook shipments next year will more than double to 22.6 million units from 11.2 million in 2008, MIC said. In 2009, mainstream netbooks are likely to have 10-inch screens with a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) for the consumer market, the research organization said, adding that Display Port will also be an important trend given its cost advantage. Other features in strong demand will be 16:9 aspect ratio screens and LED backlights that reduce power consumption and eliminate mercury which is used in cold cathode fluorescent backlights more common today, MIC said. Acer and Asustek are among the first companies in Taiwan’s PC industry to focus on building their brands in the global market. Acer created its brand name more than a decade ago, while Asustek has more recently adopted Asus as its brand name. To promote the island’s industry, the Taiwan government has made the development of branding the key task for raising the competitiveness of Taiwan’s economy. There are two ultimate goals of the Branding Taiwan program. The first is integrating resources to assist the establishment of brands and create a favorable environment for development; the second is to aid Taiwan enterprises in brand development and increase the value of Taiwan’s international brands. Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net

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