Intel targets 100 million 'netbooks' by 2011
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 15:58:00 09/04/2008
Filed Under: Hardware, Technology (general), Internet
MANILA, Philippines -- Intel is targeting to sell 100 million personal computers running on its Atom microprocessor by 2011, a top regional executive said.
The Atom is Intel's newest chip that is purpose-built for a new category of laptops called "netbooks" primarily intended for browsing the Internet.
Intel formally launched the Atom chip in the country Thursday, showing designs from Acer, Asus, Lenovo and Neo, among others.
"We expect to grow the overall market by 100 million by 2011," said Navin Shenoy, Intel vice president for sales and marketing in Asia Pacific.
Intel is looking to capitalize on its advantage in this laptop category over rivals like Via, which makes chips for netbooks from HP.
In the Philippines, in particular, Intel sees a strong market for netbooks due to increasing broadband penetration.
"Based on studies, there are roughly 7,000 households that have broadband. Majority of households have no broadband yet," said Ricky Banaag, Intel Philippines country manager.
Netbooks range from $249 to $349 (or roughly around P20,000) and either run on Linux or Windows XP. Shenoy noted Microsoft has extended its support for Windows XP due to the fact that it suits netbooks.
"I think you will find a category of laptop users that is very comfortable doing basic things such as browsing the Internet and Linux is fine with that," Shenoy said in an interview.
Intel said there are more than 60 laptop and desktop designs running on its Atom chip
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