Plenty of old CULVs to go around. According to Digitimes*, Intel has decided to postpone full scale introduction of new mobile processors aimed at ultrathin notebooks. The CPUs were scheduled to appear over the next few weeks, but Intel will probably put them on hold until the third quarter.
It appears that demand for affordable ultrahins is somewhat weaker than originally expected, so there are still plenty of 45nm parts to go around. Notebook makers obviously have a vested interest in emptying their inventories before introducing new products and lackluster sales are not helping, either.
In 2009, ultrathin sales accounted for 10 to 15 percent of total shipments, well below the forecasted 20 to 30 percent. One of the upsides of Intel's decision and the rush to clear inventories is the fact that vendors will try to clear their inventories by dropping prices. Digitimes estimates ultrathin prices will be reduced anywhere from $32 to $95, so bargain hunters should be on the lookout for dirt cheap CULVs.
*
Digitimes source: Monica Chen, Taipei; Joseph Tsai, DIGITIMES [Friday 2 April 2010]
Intel has recently decided to hold off the launch of new ultra-thin notebook processors until the third quarter as Acer has halted the production of its ultra-thin notebooks and has turned to work on its new Calpella-based TimelineX ultra-thin notebooks, according to sources from notebook players.
However, whether Intel will launch its new ultra-thin notebook processors will still depend on market demand in the third quarter, the sources noted.
Since most notebook players saw their ultra-thin notebooks account for only 10-15% of their total shipments in 2009, lower than original predictions of 20-30%, the players are reducing their orders to digest existing inventories.
Asustek Computer vice president Tony Chen pointed out that ultra-thin notebook demand from Taiwan and China is strong and the line currently accounts for about 40% of Taiwan's notebook shipments. However, worldwide, Asustek's ultra-thin notebooks only account for about 15% of total shipments.
With notebook players clearing their ultra-thin notebook inventories, the sources expect ASP in Taiwan to drop NT$1,000-3,000 (US$32-95) in the second quarter.
Intel declined the opportunity to respond saying it does not comment on unannounced products
