Although some branded notebook vendors think the white box notebook market is facing pressure from branded netbooks and other low-cost notebooks, some notebook makers are optimistic that the market still has potential for growth in the future.
The branded notebook vendors believe that since the netbook has already created an impact on the mainstream notebook market, netbook devices can now be targeted to emerging markets, where white box notebooks previously had an advantage, thus squeezing the sales of the white box notebook vendors.
On the other hand, first-tier notebook maker Quanta Computer pointed out that white box notebook vendors in China have continued to place orders and shipments are being maintained at a certain level. In addition, Intel is very supportive of the white box market. And if economic worries continue in mature markets, demand for lower cost notebooks may benefit white box notebook vendors.
Taiwan-based First International Computer (FIC) has also reported strong shipments for its white box notebook business. The company's monthly white box notebook shipments in the fourth quarter will increase above 20,000 units and the company has already landed deals with Germany channel vendor Actebis and Japan-based Hitachi. The company expects to ship around 150,000 white box notebooks in 2008.
Article translated by Joseph Tsai
