Intel steadfast in its high Ultrabook expectations

People scoffed at Intel® when it said it expected Ultrabook™ computers to account for 40 percent of the consumer notebook market in 2012. And though many still think this is a lofty goal, Intel is sticking with its earlier projections.

Intel's Taiwan manager Jason Chen says the company has no plans to change it figures, Taipei Times reports, despite stunted Ultrabook sales in the first half of the year.

The Ultrabook has undoubtedly garnered a great deal of attention this year, but several roadblocks are standing in the way of widespread adoption. Cost continues to be a problem, as many Ultrabook models sell at premium prices. Tablet computers are also a bit of an obstacle, as people seem to be flocking to these new mobile devices rather than upgrading their PCs.

Chen dismisses both notions, asserting that the Ultrabook's price tag will drop to between $700 and $800 in the second half of 2012. Furthermore, he claims Ultrabooks and tablets are two different products and are not competing in the same space.

Market research firm IHS iSuppli has also predicted high sales figures for the Ultrabook. However, the firm estimates the Ultrabook will hit the 40 percent mark in 2015 rather than 2012. This year, according to a November 2011 report, Ultrabooks will account for 13 percent of the notebook PC market.