Intel CEO Sees 'Ultra-Thins' as Alternative to Netbooks

It isn't a secret any longer that the world's leading chip maker Intel prefers that consumers buy an ultra-thin portable computer system instead of a more affordable netbook PC, despite the impressive success level of the latter. However, it appears that the Santa Clara, California-based company is wasting no time in reaffirming its position, stating that ultra-thins are a more suitable choice for users looking for more than just an Internet-capable device. Just recently, Intel's CEO Paul Otellini said that ultra-thins would provide users with what they are missing in Netbooks.

According to a recent news-article on Cnet, Mr. Otellini said that the aforementioned PC category had been designed to address the shortcomings of netbooks. “When people try to do 3D games on these things (Netbooks) or try to run their office applications on them, they tend to think it's a bit slow and that isn't just the processor, it's the entire architecture,” he said in response to the analyst's question during the conference call, which was streamed on Intel's Web site. “Now, if you want a thin and light notebook, you don't have to just pick a Netbook. You can pick an affordable notebook that has more functionality,” Otellini continued.

Intel's interest in the market for ultra-thin, ultra-portable computer systems is justifiable, especially since this segment can provide the company with an increased revenue, when compared to the more popular and rapidly growing netbook market. However, drawing the line between the two categories can be rather difficult, especially considering the price and size differences between the two. Both segments are designed to deliver a basic computing experience with prices south of US$1,000.

Paul Otellini continued by saying that netbook were likely to become increasingly popular as wireless 3G devices, especially considering the growing offers from telecommunications companies.