178m Ultrabook shipments by 2016

While netbooks are falling, ultrabooks are rising. They are expected to be the future of laptops in the next few years. How big this market is going to get? According to Juniper Research’s forecasts, 178m ultrabooks could be sold per year by 2016. That would still not top tablet sales, which could reach 253m units. There is no question that ultrabook prices are a bit too much for consumers at this point.

While Intel’s control of the brand ensures that Ultrabooks stand out from traditional notebooks, vendors face a balancing act in terms of product strategy… Meeting Intel’s specification secures brand status and funding, but the step-change from notebooks means many of today’s Ultrabooks are too expensive for many consumers

Juniper Research explains. Manufacturers are expected to turn to cost-cutting hard drives and parts to keep their prices competitive. Unfortunately, netbooks are going to be the real victims here. With ultrabooks becoming popular over the next few years, it is doubtful netbook makers will continue bringing these devices to the market.