Wistron exec: iPad forcing reevaluation of PC industry
updated 11:35 pm EDT, Tue June 21, 2011
Tablets breaking reliance on Wintel platforms
Simon Lin, chairman of Taiwan-based computer ODM Wistron, suggests Apple's iPad has forced a reevaluation of the entire PC industry. Although tablet devices are not expected to completely overtake the entry-level notebook market, the executive suggests Apple's tablet has inspired companies to reconsider their historic reliance on the Wintel ecosystem.
Most computer makers are said to be still studying the iPad and attempting to determine strategies that will provide effective competition. Lin further argues that merely copying Apple will only lead to price competition, though companies will likely learn from the first player to prove a worthy adversary, according to comments posted in a DigiTimes report.
Wistron is said to be making significant investments in software engineers, with a software group now totaling over 3,000 staff. The chairman nonetheless admitted that it will take a while for the notebook market to rebound from the current economic conditions and competition from products such as the iPad.
“I believe that next year will be a better period for non-Apple tablet makers,” Lin said, as quoted by Taipei Times.
