Thinking small might help Taiwan’s computer industry emerge from the global downturn as an even bigger global player.
While the worldwide computer market is suffering through its worst sales in years, one bright spot is coming from the mini-laptops known as “netbooks,” which appeal to the budget-conscious in tough times.
Several research groups have forecast that global demand for the thin, light machines could double this year — and the category is dominated by Taiwanese brands and Taiwanese contract manufacturers.
With the island’s $2.5 billion in electronics exports accounting for one-fifth of Taiwan’s overall exports in January, Taiwanese government planners hope netbooks can boost an economy that is struggling.
At 5 percent, unemployment is moderate by worldwide standards but at a five-year high here. And with exports registering two consecutive monthly drops of more than 40 percent year-over-year, economists are predicting a 3 to 6 percent contraction in the Taiwanese economy for 2009.
Taiwan-made mini-laptops burst onto the world’s electronics scene with an estimated 11 million units sold last year. This year, sales could hit 22 million units, according to several analysts. In comparison, 120 million standard laptops are expected to be churned out this year.
With screens of 9 to 10 inches — or smaller — and prices generally between $350 and $700, netbooks have relatively scant memory, and specialize in accessing the Internet and checking e-mail. Their low price is meant to appeal to the budget-conscious, but netbooks’ small size also makes them convenient for business travelers.
“It is small but has enough functions for my personal and office use,” said Taipei insurance company employee Winnie Tsai, who bought a 10-inch netbook for 16,000 New Taiwan dollars ($476), about one-third of what her old standard laptop cost.
Growth in netbooks could be well timed for Taiwanese contract manufacturers, which need to keep their assembly lines busy…