Tablets are a fad, says Acer founder

Ultrabooks and tablet computers are a short term fad, according to the founder of computer firm Acer. Stan Shih said that the PC industry needed to add more value through innovation to tackle the growth in tablet computers, Digitimes reported. Mr. Shih said that Acer’s forthcoming tablet computer, which has a 7-inch screen, would take advantage of the fact that consumers want low-priced, convenient products. His views contrast with those of analyst Ben Reitzes, of Barclays Capital, who last week said he expected tablet computers to continue to weaken the laptop market this year. Mr. Reitzes said he expected “to see more muted demand for notebooks than previously expected in the second half (of 2011) given uncertainty in European markets and pressure from tablets”. Earlier this week, Samsung launched its Galaxy Tab 10.1 tablet, which according to some retailers has become the fastest selling tablet since the iPad 2. The analyst also said that he did not expect Ultrabooks - the lightweight, high-powered laptop concept touted by Intel - to gain much traction this year. He said: “While Intel’s Ultrabook concept is generating buzz, we do not expect Ultrabooks to materially drive shipments in our model given the expected $1k+ price points.”