According to DigiTimes, Intel is planning to introduce some Android based convertible notebooks. Supposedly they’re working with partners directly, but the first manufacturer to launch said products will be Lenovo.
PC sales have been on the decline, and it’s obviously worrying manufacturers. In fact, the worst PC sales in history were recorded in the first quarter of this year. No doubt smartphones and tablets are to blame for the downward spiral. That’s in addition, to the poor sales of Windows current operating system, Windows 8.
Intel’s profits alone dropped about 25% in the first quarter of this year. It’s obvious they need to make some changes, and Intel obviously thinks betting their money on Android will help.
There’s no way to tell if Android will ever dominate Windows in the notebook market, but it’s possible. DigiTimes‘ sources seem to believe that Intel is actually backing the idea of convertible notebook running Android, and they’re working hard to promote the idea to partners.
Rumor has it that Lenovo will be the first to offer an Android powered notebook. The model in question, an 11-inch notebook named Yoga, is slated to launch soon maybe even as near as May.
HP, Toshiba, and Asus will also bring Android powered products to market, and that’s expected to occur in the third quarter of this year.
In case you don’t already know, a convertible notebook is essentially a tablet/notebook hybrid. Generally it includes a detachable keyboard, like what can be found with the Asus Transformer Pad Infinity. At this point, there’s no denying that touchscreens are here to stay, so it’s not a preposterous plan for PC manufacturers to start implementing a touch-based platform more.
In fact, I’m willing to bet home based PCs built right into a touchscreen display would be quite popular if manufacturers could keep the cost down. That’s the problem, a lot of companies want to sell these devices with unbelievable prices.
Intel estimates an average price of $500 for these supposed convertible notebooks, which is right around the target price for a standard tablet these days. Do you have any interest in convertible notebooks running Android (silly question to ask Android community members, I know)?
Furthermore, would you be willing to throw down $500 for an Intel powered Android notebook?
Source: DigiTimes