Ultra-slim PC market to reach 44.2 M unit shipments in 2013, as per DisplaySearch

DisplaySearch finds a touch interface and sleek design are key selling points for the emerging ultra-slim PCs. The ultrslim PC market highlights by DisplaySearch: “The high-end specifications for touch on Windows 8 PCs, and the unproven consumer demand for touch on notebooks has touch screen suppliers leery of shifting capacity from the high volume smartphone and tablet PC markets to notebook PCs,” said Richard Shim, senior analyst with NPD DisplaySearch. The notebook PC industry is also facing limited supplies of the ultra-slim panels used to optimally manufacture ultra-slim PCs. The use of ultra-slim panels is one of the major methods used to reduce z-height, or thickness, which is the primary characteristic in meeting the requirements necessary to be labeled as ultra-slim PCs. "The challenge from a production standpoint is that manufacturing ultra-slim glass (0.4mm and thinner) is not only difficult, but handling and transporting such fragile glass requires special equipment,” said Shim. “Only two panel suppliers, AUO and Innolux, are taking on the extra expense of using ultra-slim glass to offer panels in any significant volumes." The ultra-slim PC market is expected to reach 44.2 million unit shipments worldwide in 2013, making up 21.4% of the notebook PC market. Touch screen availability is expected to increase and PC brands are looking into alternatives ...