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.