GIGABYTE COMPUTEX 2013 NEWS

CONVERTIBLE LAPTOPS GIVE CONSUMERS MORE EXCITING CHOICES

The notebook PC landscape is currently changing rapidly, with convertible laptops that double as tablets edging their way into the mainstream, offering more choices to consumer while at the same time lengthening average purchase time.

The Ultrabook ranks have swelled since the category was introduced more than 18 months ago and now come in different flavors. Convertible and detachable touch models had just arrived, nudging their way online and onto store shelves next to standard clamshell.

The convertible themselves, present further choices to shoppers who, depending on their depth of research and retailer availability, will be told all about, “swivel,” “flip,” “Ferris wheel,” “twist,” and “slice” styles.

The launch of Windows8 has ushered in an array of new notebook models, bringing with them more choices and at the same time more complexity for consumers to deal with.

Shopper who once came in looking for a laptop will find many more device types and options: small tablets just arriving include the Nexus7, and iPad Mini. There are also different operating systems with Windows 8, Windows RT, Android, IOS, and Google’s own OS.

Shoppers will look around and try out different devices but refrain from making purchases during their first visit to computer stores. They will make a purchase during their second visit after comparing and narrowing down the choice to couple of devices, Intel’s consumer research concluded.

WINDOWS 8 TABLETS: THE NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Will Microsoft’s Windows 8 Tablets Impact Out Android Slates?

The launch of Microsoft’s Windows 8 has raised concerns over the fate of Android tablet featuring the new operating system to a market that Apple’s iPad devices have dominated.

Windows tablet are more focused on productivity and may be more suitable for stationary office settings, whereas Android tablets tie deeply into Google’s cloud connected vision and appeal to people interested in everyday and on-the-run use because of their smaller size.

Many researchers agree that Windows 8 tablets will seriously impact productivity-focused Android tablets given the new operating system’s business-friendly features including the all-important Microsoft Office. Android might be the best choice for inexpensive small slates. That explains the growing popularity of the 7-inch Google Nexus 7 priced at US$200.

Taiwanese hardware partners stand behind Windows 8 without abandoning Android outright although they do acknowledge the altered role that is likely to define Android’s future.

Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, Surface Windows 8 provides the power and performance of a laptop in a tablet package.

GIGABYTE TO SHOWCASE HIGH-END WINDOWS 8 NOTEBOOKS AND SLATES

Gigabyte Technology Corp, a Taiwan maker of motherboards and personal computers, will highlight lightweight laptops packed with newest generation Intel Core processors, tablets running on Microsoft Windows 8 system, and gaming notebooks at COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2013.

“Intel is likely to launch fourth-generation Core processors in June, which will be used in Gigabyte notebooks as the company seeks to stay on top of newest technology, while carving our own niche market for business and professional users.” Gigabyte executive vice-president Richard Ma said.

Toward that end, Gigabyte will add 15-inch and 17-inch lightweight notebooks to its existing 14-inch series after recently introducing an 11.6 inch convertible Ultrabook that doubles as a tablet, Ma said. The product runs on the Windows 8 system, weighs only 1.49 kg and is just 20 mm thin. It runs on an Intel Core processor and has a dual solid state drive (SSD) and HDD storage system.

“The device is Gigabyte’s offer to users looking for the power of a notebook and the touch capability of a tablet.” Ma said.

Seeking to different rivals, Gigabyte Windows 8 tablets targets business and professional users. Powered by newest Intel processors, Gigabyte tablets feature a responsive capacitive multi-touch display, an optical finger navigation button and mouse buttons, enabling users to edit documents and presentations. They come with many ports so users can connect to external displays for presentations. A keyboard and a carrying case are designed to increase the functionality of the devices for users on the go.

ENHANCING TAIWAN PRODUCTS THROUGH THE TAIWAN EXCELLENCEGOLD AWARD SELECTION

Formerly known as the Symbol of Excellence, Taiwan Excellence was launched by the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) in 1992, with the objective of encouraging Taiwan industries to upgrade and incorporate innovalue (innovation combined with added value) into their products. As Taiwan is successfully becoming a global leader in IT and many high tech industries, the need for international branding has become the growing norm for most enterprises.

The spirit behind Taiwan Excellence represents the rich diversity, technological prowess, and environmental design behind Taiwan’s most excellent products. This year, there are 27 products (including 16 ICT products below) nominated for the Taiwan Excellence-Gold Award Selected from 541 products designed by 198 companies.