Wintel Notebook demand rebounding as consumers realize iPad is for entertainment, not productivity

Digitimes reports that Taiwan-based notebook ODMs have discovered the impact of tablets like the iPad is less than they expected, as consumers discover they are good for entertainment, but not for getting work and studying done.

The iPad has created new demand instead of eroding existing demand for notebooks, said Wistron chairman Simon Lin. However, iPad has absorbed a portion of consumer budgets, causing delays in replacement notebook purchases, Lin said. Notebooks are expected to regain demand after the launches of Intel’s Ivy Bridge in the second quarter and Microsoft’s Windows 8 in the fourth, Lin indicated.

The X86 version of Windows 8 uniquely combines the productivity benefits of mouse and keyboard and a multi-window user interface with the full-screen touch interface of tablets.

Regarding the global outlook for notebooks in the second half of 2012, Acer, Asustek Computer and Samsung Electronics are optimistic while Hewlett-Packard and Dell are neutral, sources indicated.