Despite the failure to raise touchscreen notebook demand in 2013, several notebook brand vendors including Acer and Asustek Computer are still planning to release more products in 2014, hoping to increase the proportion of total shipments to 25-30%, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.
Brand vendors originally expected touchscreen models to account for 30-40% of their notebook shipments by the end of 2013, but the target is unlikely to be reached due to weak consumer demand. Acer is expected to achieve only 10% and Asustek, including tablets, 20%.
Since touchscreen module prices have been dropping, the sources expect the trend to help reduce touch panels' overall costs, allowing touch panels to become standard equipment for notebooks in 2014.
The sources expect touchscreen notebook shipments to reach 40 million units in 2014, up significantly from 18 million units in 2013.
However, brand vendors are likely to focus on developing 2-in-1 devices, which some vendors believe have a better chance to attract consumers.
