Consumer preference shifts to notebooks as prices continue to drop

2004 was the year notebook prices fell through the floor. As a result, sales grew by 35%, according to IDC, and the notebook, previously an executive commodity, was suddenly an option for the general consumer. As we speed our way through 2005, it is anticipated that notebooks will grow substantially, further entrenching a shift in buying preferences from desktops to laptops for both new and existing users.

Thanks to aggressive pricing, consumers are now able to enjoy the benefits of a notebook. Issues such as affordability, mobility, space and accessibility have become real benefits for users. Driving this shift and dramatically influencing the price reduction and affordability is the improvement in the average notebook size, weight and functionality.

In November 2004, Computer World announced a price cut on the Pentium M (designed specifically for the mobile environment), enabling manufacturers to build thinner and lighter notebooks, weighing approximately three kilograms. This gave retailers the opportunity to sell notebooks at prices as low as R6 000 and according to IDC boosted the `thin and light` market share from 6% to 20% among top retail players in 2004.

Being mobile is not an option any more; it is an absolute must to survive and succeed today. In fact, it is for this reason that between 2005 and 2008, the laptop market size is expected to double. Thanks to affordability, mobility now also makes complete sense for new users able to afford the technology, such as students who often work in different environments and would undoubtedly benefit by being mobile. The aesthetic value of a notebook is another plus in a world where image counts. Thanks to the sleek design and elegance of a notebook, users are no longer required to hide a machine in the spare room. The notebook can be plugged in and worked off easily in any part of the home. In an environment where space is the issue more than image, such as a student dorm room, a notebook can make a major difference.

Being accessible to people, places and information is another must. A notebook already allows individuals to work anywhere, but it is the advent of wireless connectivity that allows them to access information. Wireless technology is rapidly evolving and is playing an increasing role in the lives of notebook users.

Trek to the summit

00Days

:

00Hrs

:

00Min

:

00Sec

As consumers advance through the different stages of their lives, their interest levels, usage patterns and spending habits towards technological products constantly change. Suddenly being at the cutting-edge means something. This often starts with a significant purchase such as a notebook. Thankfully there has never been a better time to buy a notebook: prices are competitive and the infrastructure is readily available to meet the needs of the diverse consumer market.

Alex Morse is the Acer notebook product manager at Axiz.