Touchscreen notebooks to enjoy at least 10% price cut after Windows 8 discount

Touchscreen notebook prices are expected to drop at least 10% when the recently reported Windows 8 licensing fee discounts provided by Microsoft go into effect, while some entry-level and mainstream models may even drop more than 20%, according to sources from channel retailers in Taiwan.

The sources pointed out that touchscreen notebooks currently account for about 10% of their total notebook sales, while models from Acer and Asustek Computer have the best demand.

With the discounts, some channel retailers are aiming to push their touchscreen notebook sales share to 20% in the second quarter to aid their revenue performance.

The sources noted that NT$15,000 (US$506) will be the sweet spot for touchscreen notebooks, but for the machines to become standardized, it will still need some time before consumers become familiar with the new control interface.

Channel retailers to cut touchscreen notebook prices
Photo: Michael Lee, Digitimes file photo