Viewing that significantly fewer requests for quotation (RFQ) have, so far, been received from notebook ODMs than in previous years, Taiwan-based notebook component makers have commented that the situation implies shipments of new notebooks in the first half of 2013 are likely to drop.
ODMs usually compete for orders for notebooks to be launched in the following year from vendors in the May-August period, and then send RFQs to notebook component makers beginning in September, the component makers pointed out.
Based on RFQs received, the number of new parts designed in 2012 for notebooks to be launched in 2013 may decrease by 20% from 2011, the sources indicated. This implies that the expected increase in demand for notebooks in the first quarter of 2013 arising from the launch of Windows 8 may be too optimistic, the sources said.
However, a possible reason behind the decrease in the number of new designs is that ODMs will use existing components to minimize production costs, the sources explained.
Article translated by Adam Hwang
