As several first-tier notebook vendors are set launch sub-US$1,000 Ultrabook models in the near future, sources from channel retailers believe the appearance of Ultrabooks is likely to push vendors to reduce prices for their mainstream consumer notebooks.
Currently, notebook models that adopt ultra-thin designs are mostly high-end models with ASPs of NT$35,000 (US$1,206), a gap of about 40% compared to the ASP of mainstream notebooks.
Since consumers are likely to compare the specifications and price of notebook vendors' Ultrabook and mainstream notebook models to make their purchasing choice, while some players such as Acer are set to launch Ultrabooks with a price as low as US$799, or Asustek Computer US$899, a range similar to that of the mainstream notebooks; therefore, the vendors may need to reduce prices of their mainstream notebooks in order to successfully digest inventory, the sources explained.
Article translated by Joseph Tsai
