Its Not Hip to Be Square -- Widescreen Notebooks Fastest Growing Segment in Retail Notebook Sales -Widescreen notebooks now account for 48% of all notebook sales-

According to a recent study by Current Analysis, unit sales of notebooks equipped with a widescreen 15.4-inch display have steadily continued to climb throughout the first half of 2004. As of June 30, the widescreen market accounted for 48% of all notebooks sold, compared to only 15% in December 2003. The growth represents the highest share yet for the widescreen models since its introduction in the spring of 2003 and demonstrates widescreen systems are selling in greater numbers than its traditional square counterparts.

LA JOLLA, CA (PRWEB) August 1, 2004 -- According to a recent study by Current Analysis, unit sales of notebooks equipped with a widescreen 15.4-inch display have steadily continued to climb throughout the first half of 2004. As of June 30, the widescreen market accounted for 48% of all notebooks sold, compared to only 15% in December 2003. The growth represents the highest share yet for the widescreen models since its introduction in the spring of 2003 and demonstrates widescreen systems are selling in greater numbers than its traditional square counterparts.

Presently declining in sales, notebooks equipped with 15-inch displays (non-widescreen), accounted for the majority of notebooks sales throughout 2003 and 2004. In December 2003, the 15-inch market accounted for 73% of unit shares; compared with only 34% during the month of June.

Sam Bhavnani, senior mobile computing analyst, and author of the study states most of the major manufacturers are now competing in the widescreen space. HP has focused much of its energy on the widescreen segment since April, eMachines entire lineup is widescreen and both Toshiba and Sony have recently revised its consumer notebook strategy focus to on widescreen models."

((graph available upon request))

Source: Current Analysis 2004

Bhavnani expects to see the widescreen trend continue. In the US, whether its a SUV or a widescreen notebook, consumers buying patterns hold true to the philosophy of 'bigger is better. With the holiday season rapidly approaching, manufacturers and resellers who are not committed to widescreen will have a difficult time generating consumers attention, and in turn, sales."

For more information, please contact:

Sam Bhavnani

Senior Mobile Computing Analyst

Mobile: +1 858-775-7764

Chalise Zolezzi

Director of Public Relations

Phone: +1 858-729-5287

Mobile: +1 858-692-9034

About Current Analysis: Current Analysis is the industry benchmark for excellence in navigating todays markets, serving as a critical, third-party expert in market and product analysis by offering competitive response solutions in the telecommunications, information technology and consumer electronics industries. By providing the most comprehensive and rapid intelligence through our CurrentCOMPETE platform, Current Analysis enables sales teams, marketing professionals, product managers, and executives to continuously anticipate and counter competitive threats while offering solid solutions to emerging obstacles. As a global company, Current Analysis retains over 100 worldwide industry experts to identify market and competitor threats from a frontline perspective, and offer conclusive, tactical advice on market strategy, positioning and response objectives. Please visit Current Analysis at www.currentanalysis.com

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