DESPITE the tough times ahead, there is still plenty of excitement in the mobile computing business next year.
For starters, component manufacturers like Intel say that they are on track to ship faster, smaller and more power efficient processors for notebooks. The world's biggest semiconductor maker is expected to release its latest four-core Clarksfield CPU, based on the new Nehalem architecture, sometime in the second half of 2009.
Nehalem is a next-generation micro-architecture that will eventually replace the current Core micro-architecture used in Intel's current product line. The new processor is expected to offer a 20 to 30 per cent advantage over the current Penryn series processor with only a 10 per cent increase in power consumption.
Expect one of these new processors to run on desktop replacement notebooks with 17-inch screens. Intel will also ship the dual-core CPU based on Nehalem, code-named Auburndale, in the second half of 2009.
This would mean that early adopters can get their hands on a faster, more powerful processor that consume less battery life.
For the general population, it would mean cheaper notebooks. As new processors become mainstream, vendors will push the current Montevina and the even older Santa Rosa platforms into the lower-end segments.
Larger screens
Processors aside, consumers can expect larger screen sizes in upcoming notebooks. In the ultraportable category, 12.1-inch notebooks will make way for 13.3-inch widescreen displays, according to industry sources.
Taiwanese computer maker Asus also plans to launch notebooks with wider displays, says its marketing specialist Stephanie Lee.
'Current 15.4 notebooks will evolve into 16-inch widescreen notebooks and consumers will also soon see 18-inch notebooks,' she adds.
Apart from new screen sizes, consumers can expect touchscreen technology to go mobile.
World's number one computer maker HP, for example, plans to launch the Touchsmart tx2 notebook PC. It is expected to be the industry's first convertible notebook PC with multi-touch technology. This notebook builds upon the touch innovation HP developed for its Touchsmart desktop PC.
The constant demand for mobility will continue to challenge PC makers to innovate. One focus will be on delivering more battery life in notebooks. This year, HP launched a notebook that can last 24 hours on batteries. We can expect other manufacturers to beat this mark or at least catch up with HP.
Despite limited features (like no built-in DVD burner and slower processing power), netbooks have become increasingly popular for users who want lightweight, energy-efficient, highly portable laptop for Web browsing, e-mail and general purpose applications. Asustek Computer plans to launch six to eight new models by the end of next year.
In a recent interview, Samson Hu, general manager of Asustek's Eee PC business unit, says he aims to keep prices for these netbooks stable.
'Surfing the Internet has become part of our daily lives, so demand for devices that connect to the Internet is growing and has large potential,' he says.
Still on netbooks, HP's special edition netbook (right) designed by world class fashionista Vivienne Tam will be available sometime in mid-January.
Expect to also see tougher, more durable notebooks in the market. Toshiba, for example, plans to enhance the EasyGuard feature on its notebooks by offering SSD (Solid State Drives) on mainstream notebooks. With no moving parts, SSDs are more durable than hard disks and as there are no mechanical delays, they enjoy fast access.
Equally significant is the growing demand for mobility and security. This is something manufacturers plan to package in both consumer and corporate notebooks. Howie Lau, general manager, Lenovo Asean & Korea, expects to see less distinction between consumer and commercial products in 2009.
'Users want one notebook that does it all. Security will also continue to be important as business- and consumer-level requirements increase with more data being carried in notebooks and transferred electronically,' Howie explains.
Adli Yashir is a correspondent/Internet coordinator with Berita Harian.
This story was first published in The Straits Times Digital Life on 31 December 2008.
