Still ten days to go until Microsoft launches Windows 8, but according to Topeka Capital analyst Brian White the new operating system is bad news for investors. White traveled in Asia, meeting with supply chain sources, and reports that the sentiment around Windows 8 was overwhelmingly negative:
Plummet and PC Trends to Remain Difficult. The sentiment around Windows 8 was overwhelmingly negative during our trip as the supply chain is experiencing little life ahead of the October 26 launch. Although October is expected to be the sweet spot for the notebook ramp for Windows 8, and further follow through is likely in November, we were warned of idle facilities in December. One of our contacts does not expect Windows 8 to be material until the second-half of 2013.
White also writes that enthusiasm about ultrabooks has plummeted because Intel's specifications lead to a cost structure that is too high to spur consumer demand.
