Global notebook shipments declined in the third quarter of 2017, according to a new report released by Digitimes Research.
Excluding detachable hybrid notebooks, shipments dropped by 4.2% year-on-year, down to 40.79 million units. A “weakening demand in the consumer sector” and corporate reorganisation at Asus have been cited as reasons behind the decline, offsetting the growth from healthy sales of Google’s Chromebook and gaming notebooks coming out of China.
Going into the holiday season, notebook shipments are expected to spike, with Black Friday sales around the world and Double Eleven online shopping day in China. Google are planning heavy promotion of the Chromebook in the consumer market, while Microsoft and others will be plugging notebook sales and lease options to the business sector.
Google will be increasing brand awareness of the Chromebook going into the holiday season.
Digitimes Research estimates that notebook shipments will hit 41.72 million units in the fourth quarter, a growth of 2.3% quarter-on-quarter and 0.5% year-on-year. The article goes on to state that the slim growth shows that “the current rebound in the notebook market is coming to end”.
HP is predicted to hold onto its position as market leader, followed by Lenovo and Dell. Apple is expected to see shipments decline in the fourth quarter, while Asus will take fourth place from Acer, knocking the company down to fifth. China’s Xiaomi will continue to grow steadily, becoming the ninth-largest notebook manufacturer globally.
Among the ODMs, it’s estimated that Compal and Pegatron will perform well in the fourth quarter, with Compal’s shipments predicted to grow by 30% and Pegatron expected to close the gap with Wistron.
