Computers

Share Prices

Sales and Market Share

Source: IDC's India Quarterly PC Tracker, Q2 2007 Release (Efytimes)

16. Notebooks Drive PC Market In H1 – February 06

MNCs garner 48% of the PC market in H1 of FY 2007-08: MAIT

According to the biannual report released by the IT hardware apex body, the Manufacturers’ Association for Information Technology (MAIT), PC sales registered 11% growth in H1 of FY 2007-08 at 3.28 million units, with notebook sales growing by 59% and desktops by 3%. The multinational companies acquired a 48% share of the Indian PC market, reporting a growth of 33% during April-September 2007, whereas domestic companies (whose share declined to 17% from 23%) registered a year-on-year decline of 24%. Similarly, the market share of assembled PCs, smaller and lesser known regional brands and unbranded systems also decreased from 40% to 35% of total desktop sales. The report stated that household consumption contributed to 38% of the total desktop market, registering a growth of 72% over H1 2006-07.

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Trends, Marketing Initiatives and Others

17. Microsoft Hardware’s New Campaign – January 23

Microsoft Hardware launches ‘Microsoft Lao, Haath Bachao’ campaign

On 22 January, 2008, Microsoft Hardware, the computer gaming and peripheral subsidiary of Microsoft, announced the launch of ‘Microsoft Lao, Haath Bachao’ campaign. Launched across 12 cities in the country, the campaign aims to create awareness about the importance of using ergonomically designed products. As part of the campaign, Microsoft Hardware is staging plays in key commercial places to educate people about the importance of ergonomically designed products.

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Product Launches

18. 'MacBook Air' Notebook Unveiled In India – February 12

On 12 February 2008, Apple launched its new notebook – the 'MacBook Air'. Weighing 1.36 kg and cased in aluminium, the MacBook Air features a full-sized backlit keyboard, a multi-touch trackpad, and a 13.3-inch LED widescreen monitor.

19. Acer India Launches New PC Model – February 14

In February 2008, Acer India launched the Acer Aspire 3450, designed for home users and bundled with 19-inch wide TFT Display and multimedia features. The desktop is priced at Rs 24,999.

20. Hewlett Packard Launches Two Mono Lasers – February 12

On 11 February, 2008, Hewlett Packard (HP) launched two mono laser printers, HP LaserJet P1505 and HP LaserJet P1505N, and two multi-function laser printers, HP LaserJet M2727nf and HP LaserJet M2727nfs. Targeted at small and medium businesses and large environments, the products are priced between Rs 9,999 and Rs 55,000.

Advertising Campaigns

21. In Total Control – January 30

Lenovo launches TVC for its Y510 notebook featuring Saif and Soha Ali Khan

Lenovo has a new TVC for its new Y510 notebook, which has multimedia features. This TVC features bollywood actors Saif and Soha Ali Khan. Created by agency O&M Bangalore, the TVC revolves around Soha in a double role as ‘Rita aur Nita’.

The 45-second film shows a typical villain’s den from 1970s Hindi cinema, where sari-clad demure Nita (Soha) is tied to a pillar.  Her twin Rita, a tomboy, comes crashing through a window to rescue her on a bike. She suddenly goes in rewind mode, going back up the steps, only to come crashing back in fast-forward a few seconds later.

She starts beating up the goons in Bollywood style and as she jumps up, she pauses in mid-air. The camera moves out to reveal a control panel and the close-up of a finger on the ‘Pause’ symbol. The action is actually taking place on the screen of a Lenovo notebook, where Saif is controlling Rita through the ‘Touch Control’ panel. He presses ‘Play’ again and she falls from her mid-air position, only to get punched by a goon. Saif winces at this and the voiceover explains, ‘Control your entertainment with just a touch. Introducing Touch Control on the Lenovo Y510.’

This product-feature specific TVC aims to highlight the touch-sensitive panel of Lenovo Y510.

Source: The Brand Reporter