Windows 8 promoting decreased ODD penetration in notebooks, say Taiwan makers

Aaron Lee, Taipei; Joseph Tsai, DIGITIMES [Wednesday 12 December 2012]

While the proportion of notebooks equipped with slim-type optical disc drives (ODDs) is on the decline due to demand for thinner devices, Windows 8 is increasing the reduction because the additional US$50-60 for a touch screen is prompting vendors to sacrifice ODDs, according to sources from Taiwan-based ODD makers.

The sources pointed that the vendors' pursuit of thin and light industrial designs has reduced notebook ODD adoption rates from 70% originally to only 60% and Windows 8's appearance is expected to accelerate the decline.

Consumers in the US and Europe used to be the major groups favoring notebooks with built-in ODDs, but the trend has changed, the sources noted.

However, notebooks, especially those with 15-inch displays and above, selling to emerging markets, mostly still have an ODD, allowing ODD makers to continue to make a living in the harsh environment.

Windows 8 promoting decreased ODD penetration in notebooks
Photo: Michael Lee, Digitimes file photo