Notebook is becoming a lifestyle statement

What is Intels role in terms of ultrathin notebooks?



At Intel, we do a lot of research and take several customer feedback. Over

the years we found that there was a compelling requirement for lighter notebooks

with higher flexibility and mobility by consumers. Specific processors were,

therefore, used as per the customers requirements. These ultrathin notebooks

with specific processors run quietly are much sleeker, and also have a good

battery life. Consumers need a full PC experience and performance while buying

these notebooks. And this is where Intel addresses the incorporation of

efficient processors, footprint of the processors, and the overall package of

the notebook to trigger new category of platforms.

R Ravichandran, director, sales, Intel South Asia

How important is form factor for these ultrathin notebooks?



In terms of size and shape, such ultrathin notebooks weigh 2.5-3 pounds. These
notebooks are especially designed for people who are on the move, such as

business class people, who usually opt for lighter versions. Notebook is

definitely becoming a lifestyle statement in urban and metropolitan areas. Intel

bought capabilities and mainstream price points while designing ultrathin

notebooks. It is because of this form factor and Intels packaging that we feel

that there will be a wider adoption of notebooks since the consumer gets a full

PC experience.

Are you happy with the way netbooks and nettops are getting market

acceptance?



In India, netbooks have been growing steadily and there has been a

quarter-to-quarter growth, largely in metros and large format retails. From a

nettop perspective, we see that PC is still seen as a family resource in tier-2,

-3, and -4 cities. There has been a greater adoption of nettops by first-time

buyers since, the price point ranges from Rs 12,000-13,000. Some data also

suggests that there has been a quarterto-quarter growth in nettops in India as

well. Atom based nettops have definitely been a strong product for the

first-time buyers. From an Indian perspective, it is still seen as a value and a

family resource.

What would be your strategies for India, a price-sensitive country?



India is more value-conscious than price-conscious. It needs to be seen that

finally, affordable computing at right price points is coming up in the Indian

marketplace. We believe that low-cost computing is certainly taking place in

India, but one of the major challenges is the broadband connectivity in India,

which is still low. Broadband connectivity is still the biggest hurdle in India.

PC Suraj



surajp@cybermedia.co.in