Latest trend: More features than you expect<\/p>\n
I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta<\/p>\n
IT analysts, research firms and even manufacturers of
\npersonal computers (PCs) have frequently predicted that notebooks
\nas well as laptops will soon replace desktops.<\/p>\n
This prediction is based on more convenient wireless
\ntechnology which, as the name implies, frees users from ugly,
\ntroublesome cables. Wireless technology also makes users more
\nmobile while getting the most from these gadgets almost anywhere.
\nIt also adds value to their lifestyle.<\/p>\n
The latest report from U.S.-based research firms
\nInternational Data Corporation (IDC) and Gartner revealed a hefty
\ndouble-digit growth rate in the sale of notebooks. It has reached
\na record-breaking figure -- 24 percent of total computer sales
\nworldwide. For several years the figure hovered around the 20
\npercent mark.<\/p>\n
The report also contains the prediction of higher sales in
\nthe not-too-distant future -- more than 25 percent. This good
\nnews has prompted vendors to pay more attention to the promotion
\nof notebooks, which promise better margins, while sales of PCs
\nare not as promising as in the past.<\/p>\n
Another prediction in the research indicates that by 2006
\nonly 45 percent of corporate users will primarily be dependent on
\ndesktops, with 40 percent of users, both corporate and
\nindividual, relying more on notebooks or tablet PCs. The
\nremaining 15 percent may prefer thinner, hand-held devices.<\/p>\n
Similar increase in sales of notebooks has also occurred in
\nIndonesia. Various computer expos in the country, plus
\nconventional advertising with clever themes, have
\ncontributed significantly to the increase. Users are also
\ngradually becoming more aware of the numerous benefits of the
\nwireless version of computers, notebooks and laptops. Rising from
\n130,000 in 2003, this year the figures are expected to hit
\n150,000.<\/p>\n
In the growing wireless era, notebooks depend on Wireless
\nFidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, which refers to high-speed Internet
\naccess via radio signals within a few hundred feet of an access
\npoint, commonly called a "hot spot." Wi-Fi-equipped devices, such
\nas laptops and notebooks, are capable of detecting the presence
\nof Wi-Fi signals and log on automatically - even if the user is
\nnot a subscriber of an Internet service provider.<\/p>\n
According to Gartner, the number of hot spot users worldwide
\nis predicted to reach 30 million in 2004, up from 9.3 million in
\n2003. By the end of this year, more than 50 percent of
\nprofessional notebooks will incorporate Wireless Local Area
\nNetwork (WLAN) capability to anticipate the high demand for WLAN
\nalmost everywhere: in the office, at home as well as at hot spot
\nlocations.<\/p>\n
Sophisticated technological features and well-thought-out
\ndesign that promises better productivity are two of a number of
\ncrucial aspects that consumers consider before purchasing.
\nFortunately now, even the price of notebooks, which is becoming
\nmore reasonable, is another important element in high sales.<\/p>\n
An increasing number of slimmer and lighter notebooks and
\nlaptops are currently available on the market. The larger ones,
\nwith larger screens, machines and more powerful batteries, serve
\nusers who have specific needs.<\/p>\n
In short, the market is virtually inundated with a range much
\nwider than before, from the basic or slim-and-light types to the
\nrobust. Hence, for every kind of need there is a matching type
\navailable. The brand names are a long list, including most of the
\nglobal makers like Acer, Apple, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett-
\nPackard (HP), IBM, NEC, Sony and Toshiba.<\/p>\n
With such great variety available, it is easy to choose. Some
\nusers opt for notebooks that match their clients' needs for
\ngraphics or multimedia work. Other customers go for machines with
\nmodern, sleek styling, which, to them, reflect their tech-savvy
\ncharacter or image.<\/p>\n
Others prefer larger display screens, keyboards and so on.
\nThese users may end up purchasing notebooks with 17-inch screens
\nthat allow them to view two documents side by side. Weight is
\nanother major criterion. Today's customers will object to
\nnotebooks weighing more than three or 3.5 kilograms (kg) at the
\nmost.<\/p>\n
Some makers have also included game enthusiasts in their
\ntarget market. Hence, slightly bulkier or heavier notebooks and
\nlaptops with high-performance batteries and larger display
\nscreens are also another success story on the market. They are
\nstill considered by many users to be more portable than desktops
\nand convenient to stow away.<\/p>\n
Smaller notebooks are naturally more popular with business
\nexecutives, as they travel more frequently and so tend to want
\nsmaller, lighter gadgets. However, this type, often coming with
\n12.1-inch or smaller screens and weighing about two kg, have been
\na tough sell and make up only a minor portion of the overall
\nnotebook market. Smaller notebooks account for 5 percent to 10
\npercent of laptop shipments each year, according to IDC.<\/p>\n
Another major feature sought by consumers, especially
\ncorporate executives, is long-lasting batteries. Chipmakers are
\nnow competing more aggressively to deliver processors fine-tuned
\nfor mobile use. They have created superior features aimed
\nspecifically at increasing performance and lowering power
\nconsumption for notebook chips. However, power-efficient
\nnotebooks or laptops do not mean heavier or bulkier gadgets.<\/p>\n
Among the active players globally and in Indonesia are
\nToshiba and HP. Other widely known brands in Indonesia also
\ninclude NEC, Compaq, Fujitsu and Acer.<\/p>\n
Recently, Toshiba introduced the new Satellite A40 series,
\nwhich features 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, a 15-inch wide-
\nangle display and a DVD\/CDRW combo drive. It also offers up to
\nfour hours of battery power.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, one of HP's latest offers is the Pavilion zv5007AP
\nnotebook with a 3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4, a 15.4-inch WXGA LCD
\ndisplay, 256MB\/512MB of SDRAM, a 60GB hard drive and a
\nDVD+CDRW\/DVD+R\/RW drive and an integrated Bluetooth.<\/p>\n
Another type made available recently is the Compaq Presario
\nx1033AP, which contains Intel Centrino mobile technology with
\n1.3GHz Intel Pentium M processor, Microsoft Windows XP Home
\nEdition, 256MB of SDRAM, DVD drive, 15.4-inch TFT WXGA display
\nand integrated modem and Local Area Networking (LAN).<\/p>\n
Intel has invested heavily in its Centrino wireless chipset,
\nand that money appears to be well spent. Centrino includes the
\nchip giant's new Pentium M mobile processor and wireless local
\narea networking technology for broadband Internet access.
\nCentrino also offers up to five hours of battery power for
\nlaptops and the promise of slimmer and lighter notebook designs.<\/p>\n
Other products incorporating Centrino is Acer's TravelMate
\n291Lmi with 1.4-GHz Intel Pentium M processor, Intel 855 Family
\nChipset, Intel Wireless Pro 2100, modem, Ethernet, WLAN, 15-inch
\nXGA TFT and DVD-RW drive. The notebook has an eight-cell lithium
\nbattery pack (lasting up to 5.5 hours) and weighs 2.74 kilograms.<\/p>\n
Intel's Centrino 1.4-GHz Pentium M processor also powers the
\nslim NEC Versa P600 weighing 2.4 kilograms featuring 256 MB DDR
\nSDRAM, and a 14.1-inch display.<\/p>\n
With vastly improved quality and performance, the price of
\nnotebooks in Indonesia -- many set in U.S. dollars -- has largely
\nremained stable. With prices starting from US$ 1,000, consumers
\nneeds are more than matched. To their delight and surprise, they
\nget more than they expect. Features unused today may prove to be
\nadvantageous in the near future.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/latest-trend-more-features-than-you-expect-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}