IO PC takes New Capability & Cost Edge footholds2010/07/09
At COMPUTEX TAIPEI, which just ended in June, major local PC makers, including Acer, Asus, Gigabyte, and MSI took the PC multi-media by storm. Their winning displays included AIO (All-in-one) PCs with new touch control functions and 3D applications. Despite the fact that both shipments and ASP of desktop PCs are declining, brand companies still winning the hearts of buyers with more value additions such as large displays, new technologies and functions, and price incentives.
Welcome Niche & Affordable Products
With stylish design and brand value, Apple’s new-generation iMac of 21.5” and 27” displays cost US$1,199 and 1,699 respectively, almost double the cost of those ordinary desktops. HP’s or Sony’s AIO PCs, which use general desktop processors and have touch control functions,
also go for at least USD 1,000 to 1,200. That’s around 20% more expensive than those traditional desktops (monitor included) of the same specifications.
Because of the above price issues, AIO PCs used to have low penetration rate in the desktop PC market. But, driven by economic slowdown of the past two years and the surge in netbooks, more and more affordable AIO PCs of USD 500 to USD 749 can be seen on the market. Companies like Acer, Asus, BenQ, and MSI have also launched their own series of simple-designed energy-saving AIO PCs. With growing cost advantage, AIO PCs are gradually gaining a foothold on the market. It is estimated that their shipments have grown 64.09% from 2008 to 2009, and growth rate will reach 115.55% in 2010.
Low-Power CPUs Dominates
The TDP (Thermal Design Power) of the Intel Atom processor is only 2~6.5W, much lower than the 70~90W of mainstream desktop processors. With lower power consumption, Atom and AMD Althon, which were originally designed for netbooks, are also implemented in AIO PCs. Thanks to the lower cost of CPU and simplified heat dissipation modules, the unit price of the AIO PC is also declining. And these more affordable AIO PCs will boost shipments.
AIO PC with Touch and 3D Functions
With resistor- or optical-type touch panel, AIO PC can differentiate itself from traditional desktops to increase product competitive edge. The display size of AIO PC is bigger than those of general desktops, NB, or other mobile devices, a fact that further enables the possibilities of more versatile applications for touch functions. Brand companies are also keen to implement touch control into consumer models.
It is projected that the penetration rate of touch control technology on the worldwide AIO PC market will exceed 45% in 2010. In addition to touch control, 3D function is also an important differentiator for AIO PC. At COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2010, Asus and MSI introduced 3D AIO PC with shutter or polarized technologies. Since naked eye 3D tech will still take 3 to 5 years, these new types of 3D AIO PCs carry true consumer appeal.
As AIO PCs of different companies have similar designs and functions, the capabilities of touch control and user interfaces will become prime factors for consumers. With simple and stylish design, AIO PC will emerge as a home appliance in the living room or kitchen of the future and become a preferred device for consumers when buying desktops. Meanwhile, NB functions will also gradually come to be embedded into AIO PCs. And that means huge business prospects are beckoning for makers of components or modules linked to touch control IC, webcam, and bearings.
