Widescreen notebooks to become mainstream

DigiTimes reports that widescreen notebooks are likely to become mainstream in the first half of next year. According to their sources widescreen models may represent 80 to 90 percent of the notebook market during that period.

Panel makers are shifting production to widescreen-notebook-use panels at their 4th and 5th generation plans to meet soaring demand and notebook makers also start introducing more widescreen models. Panel makers also indicate that during the first quarter of next year widescreen notebook panels will become cheaper than standard-size panels.

Currently, 14.1-inch widescreen panels are priced at about US$140, which is US$15 more expensive than a standard 14.1-inch panel. However, 15.4-inch widescreen panels cost US$120-125, compared to US$110-115 for 15-inch standard panels, panel makers said.

Next year IBM plans to add a 15.4-inch model to its ThinkPad R and G series and Dell will also unveil new widescreen notebook models. Dell also plans to launch a notebook with a 19-inch widescreen display next year.