Convertible laptops make up over 20 percent of notebook market

Hybrid touchscreen notebooks (featuring a detachable keyboard) developed in the first quarter of 2013 accounted for more than 20% of all notebook models, and because hinges used in such hybrid models are more complicated to design and produce, prices (US$2-3 per unit) are much higher than the US$0.70-0.80 for conventional hinges, according to Taiwan-based hinge makers.

Taiwan-based notebook hinge maker Shin Zu Shing (SZS) pointed out that its clients have become interested in developing hybrid touchscreen notebooks and each will release at least 2-3 models in 2013 with volume production to start after May. To prevent technology leakage, most Taiwan-based hinge makers have kept their high-end hinge production at plants in Taiwan and transferred low-end hinge production to plants in China, the sources noted.