Emerging market for laptops from developing countries

Shirajiv Sirimane

The notebook computer market would see better sales in developing countries than developed countries, said Project Manger, HP Mobile Business Unit, Phill Devlin.

Speaking to the 'Daily News Business' at the 'HP Simply Yours - Regional Consumer launch' in Singapore last week he said that the infrastructure in developing countries do not encourage the use of desk top computers. "One of the main reasons is the power failure that are usual in developing counties encourages high usage of notebook computers," he said.

He said that unlike in developed countries executives usually have common areas and hence a notebook computer would also save space in work places. "Even in homes executives can use notebooks and this too has created an emerging market for notebooks," he said.

"Notebook market is set to take off in the developing countries faster than we expected," he said.

The HP also released their latest new S-series models that included the 14.1-inch 6520s and the 15.4-inch 6720s. Both notebooks feature wide screen displays, Intel Core 2 Duo processors and integrated WiFi and Blue tooth connectivity. They have three USB ports, an SD card reader and an Express Card 54 slot. An integrated DVD and RW optical drive is also available as an optional extra.

The designs utilise a smart brushed silver finish, drop hinges for better space utilisation, a scooped keyboard for a more desktop-like feel and a tactile rubberised touch pad.

HP's Protect Tools onboard software assists business users on the security and productivity front. The Device Access Manager helps prevent unauthorised users from transferring or removing data on portable drives by turning off the USB ports.

Drive Guard helps prevent data corruption and system failure if the notebook is dropped and Disk Sanitiser clears the disk drive so the notebook can be redeployed to another user if necessary.