Samsung notebooks may spike 60pc in 2011

Samsung is planning a major 60 percent spike in its notebook shipments in a bid to overtake Apple in the worldwide notebook arena, part suppliers said Monday. It had shipped 10 million portables in 2010 but hoped to move 16 million to 17 million this year. Both companies were nearly tied through the first nine months of 2010 and saw Apple move just 150,000 more systems, according to Digitimes' IDC numbers, or enough that Samsung was within striking distance.

The Korean company isn't thought to have much trouble reaching its target, since its in-house manufacturing of many of the parts it needs helps it predict its PC deliveries more accurately.

Whether or not the target will be enough may be the main concern. Apple shipped 23 percent more Macs during the fall than a year ago at 4.13 million, but the company has in recent years made a pattern of avoiding much of the usual post-holiday slump and could match or beat Samsung. ASUS may be the most at risk since it plans to ship 22 million PCs but doesn't necessarily have similar growth.

Samsung has usually acted independently of Apple's plans but, at CES, signaled more of a direct intent to chase Apple. Both the Slider PC and 9 series notebook were targeted more consciously at iPad and MacBook Air buyers while targeting different audiences than the usual. The Sliding PC was a joint project with Microsoft to help Windows 7 get a deeper presence in tablets.

By Electronista Staff