1. Overview of Low-price Mini Notebook PC Development

1.1 Drive to Combat Digital Divide Provided Initial Impetus for Emergence of Low-price Mini Notebook PC

1.2 US$100 Laptop Concept Sparks Development of Low-price Mini Notebook PCs

1.3 Emergence of the Eee PC Encourages Leading PC Vendors to Follow Suit

1.4 Two Distinct Market Segments: Educational Sector in Developing Nations, Mass Market in Developed Nations

2. Vendors' Low-price Mini Notebook PC Product Development Strategies

2.1 Three Basic Target Markets: Education Sector, Home Users, and Business Users

2.2 Mainstream Specifications Include XP OS with Low-Energy-Consumption CPU

2.3 Shift in Emphasis Away from Price Competition

2.4 Distribution Channels Include both Government Tenders and Regular Retail Channels

2.5 Collaborative Market Development to Create a Win-win Situation

2.6 Making Consumer Experience the Basis for Product Development

2.7 Growth Key Shifts to Retail Sales in Mature Markets

3. Future Trends in Low-price Mini Notebook PCs

3.1 The Education Sector Demands Durability

3.2 Focus on Networking and Multimedia Applications for the Home User Market

3.3 Emphasis on Mobility in the Business User Market       

3.4 Wintel Continues to Dominate Development of Key Technologies

3.4.1 Emergence of Energy-efficient CPUs

3.4.2 Microsoft XP OS Becoming More Widely Used

3.4.3 8.9-inch Screen to Become Market Mainstream

3.4.4 Bundling Mobile, WiMAX Services; Strengthening Internet Functions

Appendix

Examines low-price mini notebook PC development, including product specifications, strategies of vendors such as Asus, HP, Intel and FIC, distribution channels, and cross-industry collaboration projects for these products. Analyzes trends which will play an important role in the future development of low-price mini notebook PCs.

Figure 1  Operating Systems and CPUs Used in Low-price Mini Notebook PCs

Figure 2  Future Technology Development for Low-price Mini Notebook PCs

Table 1  Worldwide ICT Development in 2004

Table 2  Launch Dates of Low-price Mini Notebook PC Products by the World's Leading Notebook PC Vendors

Table 3  Low-price Mini Notebook PC Product Specifications for Different Target Markets

Table 4  Low-priced Mini Notebook PC Product Specifications

Table 5  Low-price Mini Notebook PC Product Strategies