[November 17, 2004] Thin and Light Notebooks Proving to be Heavyweights in the Mobile Market FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thin and Light Notebooks Proving to be Heavyweights in the Mobile Computing Market -Industry analyst expects “thin-and-light” trend to continue into 2005- LA JOLLA, CA –November 17, 2004- Retail sales of “thin-and-light” notebooks have steadily continued to climb through the first week of November, according to a recent study by Current Analysis, Inc. As of November 6th, the thin-and-light notebook market accounted for 29% of all notebooks sold; compared to only 6% for the week ending January 3rd, 2004. The growth represents the highest market share yet for thin-and-light notebook models this year. From the week ending September 25th, 2004 to November 6th, 2004, sales of notebooks that weigh six-pounds or less demonstrated dynamic growth for a one-month period -from 10% market share to 27% market share. Sam Bhavnani, Senior Analyst, Mobile Computing attributes the dramatic rise in the popularity of thin-and-light notebooks to several factors. “The mobile computing industry as a whole is changing. In the last year or two, most notebooks sold have been systems to replace desktops. Now consumers are buying new notebooks to replace their old notebooks. Form factors such as thin-and-light and battery life are much more important to them. Couple this with price cuts on notebooks featuring Pentium M, and a new consumer trend is born.” <<CHART AVAILABLE>> “In the past, the thin-and-light segment has been held back by high prices and a lack of optical drives and availability as most retailers and e-commerce partners looked to push consumers towards desktop replacements. New, innovative systems, such as Sony’s 13.3” widescreen VGN-A260 and the 14.1” widescreen HP dv1000, are engaging consumers with both form factor and functionality.” While Bhavnani expects the thin–and-light trend to continue into 2005, he remains skeptical about holiday sales in the space. “This trend will slow down during the holiday season as budget-conscious consumers will look to buy low-priced Celeron and Sempron systems.” Press & Media contacts: Sam Bhavnani Senior Analyst, Mobile Computing Phone: +1 858-729-5374 E-mail: [email protected] Chalise E. Zolezzi Director of Public Relations Phone: +1 858-729-5287 Mobile: +1 858-692-9034 E-mail: [email protected] About Current Analysis: Current Analysis is the industry benchmark for excellence in navigating today’s markets, serving as a critical, third-party expert in market and product analysis by offering competitive response solutions in the telecommunications, information technology and consumer electronics industries. By providing the most comprehensive and rapid intelligence through our CurrentCOMPETE™ platform, Current Analysis enables sales teams, marketing professionals, product managers, and executives to anticipate and counter competitive threats continuously, while offering solid solutions to emerging obstacles. As a global company, Current Analysis retains over 100 industry experts worldwide to identify market and competitor threats from a frontline perspective, and offer conclusive, tactical advice on market strategy, positioning and response objectives. Please visit Current Analysis at www.currentanalysis.com ### [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]