For some of the world’s leading PC manufacturers, “small is not necessarily an advantage” in the world of laptops. They are investing in experimenting with “mobile devices within a framework” that resemble a briefcase more than a traditional notebook.
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The Dell XPS M2010 is also equipped with a 20-inch display. Image: Crave |
This trend is driven more by screen technology than by consumer demand. Liquid crystal displays ranging from 19 to 20 inches have started to appear on the market, significantly expanding from the current 17-inch models.
However, in the mobile world, the features of being small and lightweight are always prioritized, so who would be willing to purchase such a large model? According to Kitty Fok, an analyst at global data firm IDC, this type of notebook could appeal to gamers looking for a high-performance system with a wide screen, without placing too much emphasis on portability. They only need a laptop that isn’t too heavy to move around in the office or around the house…
“Of course, the market for this trend will exist. But so far, we have no statistics on large laptops,” Fok stated.
Acer showcased a 20-inch version at the Computex 2006 exhibition in Taiwan last week. Trisha Pan, from Acer’s business department, acknowledged that the product is limited in mobility but convenient for home use and connecting with other entertainment devices such as gaming consoles and TVs. “It serves as an alternative to a desktop computer for home and office use,” Pan remarked, also revealing that the retail price of the system is $2,700.
The leading American computer manufacturer, Dell, also plans to launch a 20-inch laptop with a minimum price of $3,500. This machine will be equipped with 8 speakers, a wireless keyboard, and a remote control.
Meanwhile, Samsung’s product is priced above $5,000, targeting the high-end market with a detachable screen that allows for connection with a desktop monitor when needed.
In contrast, Asustek, the company that currently produces the largest 17-inch laptops on the market, is not very enthusiastic about the idea of large laptops. “The strength of notebooks lies in their lightweight and slim design. We will focus on these features and have no intention of developing products larger than 17 inches,” stated Vicki Hsiao from Asustek’s business department.
