A number of articles about optimism within the PC industry, from several disparate sources, have been published in the last few days. It seems like H2 2014 and beyond may offer good sales opportunities to PC systems and notebook builders who can get it right.
PC industry new magazine DigiTimes reports that both US chipmaking giants Intel and AMD, as well as Taiwan-based component makers are currently "aggressively preparing for potential demand in the second half of 2014". This information comes from upstream supply sources talking to DigiTimes. Both desktop and notebook sales are expected to get a lift.
In Intel's case enterprise desktop PC demand is thought to be looking up. Also Intel is working to help vendors produce "price-friendly 2-in-1s in the second half," of this year. Furthermore a fanless 2-in-1 design featuring its 14nm Core M processor should be with us before the year is out. Progressing into 2015 entry level Braswell processors should start to replace the Bay Trail D series.
Financial news and views site Seeking Alpha also sees Intel on the up, thanks to PC market optimism but notes that Chipzilla's mobile prospects still aren't that hot. The site notes that Intel has recently forecast the first year-on-year sales growth for its PC client group since 2011.
AMD has new wares to help systems builders make attractive, powerful and keenly priced alternatives to Intel systems. DigiTimes notes the recent launch of processors such as mainstream Kaveri and the entry-level Kabini and Beema chips. AMD is also said to be working hard to win designs from the likes of Lenovo.
Finally PC giant HP is currently preparing a "blitz" on the business PC market, reports ITWire. HP has a number of new PCs, notebooks and 2-in-1s sporting Intel and AMD processors inside, heading towards Asia Pacific business customers. HP APJ PC category vice president Annelise Olsen told the IT news site that there has been a resurgence in desktop sales while a notebook sales decline has been offset by interest in hybrids, detachable and convertibles.
