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