Intel sees standardized components as key to higher notebook sales

Chicago (IL) - Intel will be aggressively promoting standardized and "Intel-approved" notebook components in an effort to make it easier for more system manufacturers to build and support notebook computers, TG Daily has learned.

The goal of the initiative is to bring the capabilities of smaller system builders - generally referred to as "the channel" - up to par with the dominating few notebook manufacturers worldwide. According to Intel sources, the channel currently accounts for 30% of the firm's processor sales and for about 40% of its desktop business. However, the channel stands at about 5% of the notebook market and so far has been unable to capitalize on the quickly growing notebook market, sources suggested.

Intel believes that especially the lack of standardized components has been a major catalyst to develop an environment in which the Taiwanese ODMs (original design manufacturers) Quanta, Asus and Compal build more than 60% of all notebooks sold worldwide. Standardized components, Intel believes, will increase the competitiveness of smaller system builders and open a new growth area for mobile processors.

Notebooks that emerge from this thought - which was given the name "mobile acceleration program - will be able to be identified through a "Verified by Intel" letter. The components standardized within the program include the battery pack, A/C adapter, optical disk drive, hard drive, LCD screen, keyboard as well as a customizable panel or "sticker" that can be glued on the laptop lid.