PC Makers Fight Back Against Mobile Devices
Rocked by the mobile-device movement, personal-computer makers and their partners are planning a counterattack that leans heavily on two weapons: Lower prices and power consumption.
The companies, gathering for the big Computex trade show in Taiwan this week, are maneuvering to win back consumer spending that has shifted to smartphones and tablet computers by emulating more of those devices’ features and prices.
In one key thrust, manufacturers plan to begin offering much less expensive laptop computers that have touch screens for tablet-style operation. Prices later this year are expected to drop more than 50 percent in some instances. Manufacturers are also expected to begin delivering thinner and less costly “two-in-one” convertibles, whose screens swivel or can be detached to operate in tablet or clamshell mode.