Ultrabook success could depend on price, Windows 8

The Ultrabook™ computer is currently one of the biggest topics in the PC industry, but its success is anything but guaranteed, as the technology has not been around long enough to have truly been tested.

According to a report from technology news provider ZDNet, several factors will ultimately determine the Ultrabook's success in the PC market, with price and Windows® 8 both being high on the list.

Early Ultrabook models are expected to cost in the range of $1,000, which could be a hurdle for some people who might opt instead for a cheaper tablet computer. However, the prices of the Ultrabook are already coming down, potentially reaching as low as $699 in 2012. This could prove to be a crucial aspect of making Ultrabooks competitive.

Microsoft's upcoming operating system, Windows 8, could also be a major development for Ultrabooks. Though many are focusing on the software's tablet functions, Windows 8 may be a big driver for the Ultrabook, especially for models that feature touchscreen capabilities.

Research firm IHS Suppli anticipates the Ultrabook to be a near-instant success, estimating that the technology will account for 43 percent of notebook shipments by 2015, up from 2 percent in 2011.