Intel Ultrabook Pricing Strategy Comes Under Criticism

Despite the fact that Intel is going gung-ho about their new ultra-thin, ultraportable 'Ultrabook', attendees at the Intel Developer Forum (IDF) conference are unhappy with the USD 1000 (approx Rs 48,000) price of the Ultrabook.

Analysts believe that the pricing may not be received with enthusiasm because they believe that the PC sales are slumping and buyers are looking for better deals. Many also predict that Intel’s new ultraportable machine could remain a niche product like its competition Macbook Air if the prices don’t come down.
However, Erik Reid, general manager of the mobile client platform at Intel, in an interview, stated the company launched the Ultrabook after extensive research on laptop designs and user experience and went on to defend the pricing strategy by saying, "As volume ramps and as we drive more business in the market, then prices will be coming down into mainstream,"
Some analysts also believe that it is advisable to wait for Intel’s Ivy Bridge processor which will provide better battery performance, faster clock speeds, better graphics and facilitate in the manufacturing of thinner Ultrabooks.

Intel’s Ultrabooks are expected to start shipping this month. Lenovo's Ideapad U300S, Acer's Aspire S3 and Toshiba's Portego Z830 are the first Ultrabooks that will hit the retail chain. They are priced at USD 1200 (approx Rs 58,000), USD 1134 (approx Rs 54,000) and USD 1000 (Rs 48,000) respectively.