long with notebook vendors launching more inexpensive models, Intel has seen the shipment proportion of entry-level notebook CPUs, namely its Pentium and Celeron series, increase from 50-60% in the first half of 2014 to 60-70% currently, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.
With demand for ultrabooks and 2-in-1 devices below expectations, while touchscreen notebook sales are also seeing trouble picking up, Intel and Microsoft are now mainly providing subsidies to vendors for inexpensive models.
Asustek Computer is already set to release a new 12-inch low-cost notebook in early October, while Hewlett-Packard (HP), Acer and Lenovo are also preparing to release cheap models helping orders for Pentium and Celeron processors to rise.
Intel’s Celeron 2970M and Pentium 3558U as well as Pentium N3530 and Celeron N2930 have seen strong demand recently. The Pentium N3540 and Celeron N2940, which will be released in the fourth quarter, have also received strong orders.
