Latest trend: More features than you expect

Latest trend: More features than you expect

I. Christianto, Contributor, Jakarta

IT analysts, research firms and even manufacturers of
personal computers (PCs) have frequently predicted that notebooks
as well as laptops will soon replace desktops.

This prediction is based on more convenient wireless
technology which, as the name implies, frees users from ugly,
troublesome cables. Wireless technology also makes users more
mobile while getting the most from these gadgets almost anywhere.
It also adds value to their lifestyle.

The latest report from U.S.-based research firms
International Data Corporation (IDC) and Gartner revealed a hefty
double-digit growth rate in the sale of notebooks. It has reached
a record-breaking figure -- 24 percent of total computer sales
worldwide. For several years the figure hovered around the 20
percent mark.

The report also contains the prediction of higher sales in
the not-too-distant future -- more than 25 percent. This good
news has prompted vendors to pay more attention to the promotion
of notebooks, which promise better margins, while sales of PCs
are not as promising as in the past.

Another prediction in the research indicates that by 2006
only 45 percent of corporate users will primarily be dependent on
desktops, with 40 percent of users, both corporate and
individual, relying more on notebooks or tablet PCs. The
remaining 15 percent may prefer thinner, hand-held devices.

Similar increase in sales of notebooks has also occurred in
Indonesia. Various computer expos in the country, plus
conventional advertising with clever themes, have
contributed significantly to the increase. Users are also
gradually becoming more aware of the numerous benefits of the
wireless version of computers, notebooks and laptops. Rising from
130,000 in 2003, this year the figures are expected to hit
150,000.

In the growing wireless era, notebooks depend on Wireless
Fidelity (Wi-Fi) technology, which refers to high-speed Internet
access via radio signals within a few hundred feet of an access
point, commonly called a "hot spot." Wi-Fi-equipped devices, such
as laptops and notebooks, are capable of detecting the presence
of Wi-Fi signals and log on automatically - even if the user is
not a subscriber of an Internet service provider.

According to Gartner, the number of hot spot users worldwide
is predicted to reach 30 million in 2004, up from 9.3 million in
2003. By the end of this year, more than 50 percent of
professional notebooks will incorporate Wireless Local Area
Network (WLAN) capability to anticipate the high demand for WLAN
almost everywhere: in the office, at home as well as at hot spot
locations.

Sophisticated technological features and well-thought-out
design that promises better productivity are two of a number of
crucial aspects that consumers consider before purchasing.
Fortunately now, even the price of notebooks, which is becoming
more reasonable, is another important element in high sales.

An increasing number of slimmer and lighter notebooks and
laptops are currently available on the market. The larger ones,
with larger screens, machines and more powerful batteries, serve
users who have specific needs.

In short, the market is virtually inundated with a range much
wider than before, from the basic or slim-and-light types to the
robust. Hence, for every kind of need there is a matching type
available. The brand names are a long list, including most of the
global makers like Acer, Apple, Compaq, Dell, Fujitsu, Hewlett-
Packard (HP), IBM, NEC, Sony and Toshiba.

With such great variety available, it is easy to choose. Some
users opt for notebooks that match their clients' needs for
graphics or multimedia work. Other customers go for machines with
modern, sleek styling, which, to them, reflect their tech-savvy
character or image.

Others prefer larger display screens, keyboards and so on.
These users may end up purchasing notebooks with 17-inch screens
that allow them to view two documents side by side. Weight is
another major criterion. Today's customers will object to
notebooks weighing more than three or 3.5 kilograms (kg) at the
most.

Some makers have also included game enthusiasts in their
target market. Hence, slightly bulkier or heavier notebooks and
laptops with high-performance batteries and larger display
screens are also another success story on the market. They are
still considered by many users to be more portable than desktops
and convenient to stow away.

Smaller notebooks are naturally more popular with business
executives, as they travel more frequently and so tend to want
smaller, lighter gadgets. However, this type, often coming with
12.1-inch or smaller screens and weighing about two kg, have been
a tough sell and make up only a minor portion of the overall
notebook market. Smaller notebooks account for 5 percent to 10
percent of laptop shipments each year, according to IDC.

Another major feature sought by consumers, especially
corporate executives, is long-lasting batteries. Chipmakers are
now competing more aggressively to deliver processors fine-tuned
for mobile use. They have created superior features aimed
specifically at increasing performance and lowering power
consumption for notebook chips. However, power-efficient
notebooks or laptops do not mean heavier or bulkier gadgets.

Among the active players globally and in Indonesia are
Toshiba and HP. Other widely known brands in Indonesia also
include NEC, Compaq, Fujitsu and Acer.

Recently, Toshiba introduced the new Satellite A40 series,
which features 3GHz Intel Pentium 4 processor, a 15-inch wide-
angle display and a DVD/CDRW combo drive. It also offers up to
four hours of battery power.

Meanwhile, one of HP's latest offers is the Pavilion zv5007AP
notebook with a 3.2GHz Intel Pentium 4, a 15.4-inch WXGA LCD
display, 256MB/512MB of SDRAM, a 60GB hard drive and a
DVD+CDRW/DVD+R/RW drive and an integrated Bluetooth.

Another type made available recently is the Compaq Presario
x1033AP, which contains Intel Centrino mobile technology with
1.3GHz Intel Pentium M processor, Microsoft Windows XP Home
Edition, 256MB of SDRAM, DVD drive, 15.4-inch TFT WXGA display
and integrated modem and Local Area Networking (LAN).

Intel has invested heavily in its Centrino wireless chipset,
and that money appears to be well spent. Centrino includes the
chip giant's new Pentium M mobile processor and wireless local
area networking technology for broadband Internet access.
Centrino also offers up to five hours of battery power for
laptops and the promise of slimmer and lighter notebook designs.

Other products incorporating Centrino is Acer's TravelMate
291Lmi with 1.4-GHz Intel Pentium M processor, Intel 855 Family
Chipset, Intel Wireless Pro 2100, modem, Ethernet, WLAN, 15-inch
XGA TFT and DVD-RW drive. The notebook has an eight-cell lithium
battery pack (lasting up to 5.5 hours) and weighs 2.74 kilograms.

Intel's Centrino 1.4-GHz Pentium M processor also powers the
slim NEC Versa P600 weighing 2.4 kilograms featuring 256 MB DDR
SDRAM, and a 14.1-inch display.

With vastly improved quality and performance, the price of
notebooks in Indonesia -- many set in U.S. dollars -- has largely
remained stable. With prices starting from US$ 1,000, consumers
needs are more than matched. To their delight and surprise, they
get more than they expect. Features unused today may prove to be
advantageous in the near future.