Global Notebook PC Revenues for 2009 Down 6 Percent YoY: DisplaySearch

Global notebook PC revenues are expected to be $109 billion in 2009, down almost 7 percent year-on-year (YoY), according to a shipment report released by DisplaySearch.

The worldwide leader in display market research and consulting pointed out that a dramatic increase in the size of the mini-note (netbook) market has increased the overall size of the portable PC market, but it was insufficient to offset declines in revenue for ultra-portable and portable class notebook PCs. Revenues in every notebook PC category were down YoY in the fourth quarter of 2009, and only the portable category (displays from 13 to 16-inch) posted quarter-on-quarter (QoQ).

DisplaySearch expects 2009 notebook PC shipment volumes to increase 5 percent YoY in 2009. However, the increase in unit growth is not sufficient to offset the almost 20 percent decline in average selling prices (ASPs). Netbooks and portable notebook PC (13 to 16.4-inch) ASPs are expected to be down more than 15 percent YoY in 2009 and again in 2010. These two market segments account for more than 85 percent of the total notebook PC market.

In 2010, DisplaySearch expects the notebook PC market to grow by 16 percent, with higher-than-average growth for netbooks and ultra-portable notebook PCs. Growth in the latter segment is expected to be fueled by numerous new 11.6 and 12.0-inch products built on CULV (consumer ultra low voltage) platforms and with aggressive, sub-$500 ASPs.

The low prices of netbooks make these products attractive to buyers seeking a secondary PC for the home, as well as making them more affordable for first-time PC buyers in emerging markets, who are less likely to require all the features available on a larger mainstream notebook PC. The relatively low ASPs also make netbook attractive to wireless service providers that hope to add to their revenue by offering subsidized netbooks with data plan contracts, DisplaySearch said.

Source: CENS