Chromebook comeback could be fad or sign of long-term trend, ABI says

Strong growth in Chromebook shipments could be a “temporary fad similar to the netbook” but it could also point to a long-term trend for “a niche that is gaining traction among consumers,” said a report from ABI Research (http://bit.ly/1ygEF5h) released Tuesday. Chromebook shipments jumped by 67 percent quarter to quarter in Q2 2014 and are forecast to double for first half year over year, it said. “Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective but also provides the versatility and functionality of a laptop,” said analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. “The growth of the Chromebook market demonstrates a niche that is gaining traction among consumers,” she said. Acer led the market during first half 2014, followed by Samsung and HP, with the three accounting for three-fourths of shipments. Those positions are expected to hold through the rest of the year. ABI attributed Chromebooks’ slow start to a “questionable need” by consumers that was negated by demand in vertical markets including elementary education, now a “driving force,” along with overseas markets. Chromebook sales are strong in emerging markets, particularly Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, where business purchases are 75 percent of Chromebook sales, ABI said. But North America projects to be 78 percent of Chromebook sales this year, it said. Chromebooks came to market in 2013 when notebook sales were declining and tablet sales were on the rise, said Van Vactor, but in first half 2014, tablet sales growth slowed amid a “revival” of the notebook PC. The Chromebook’s form factor and low price tags could give them “more of a place in the market than originally anticipated, especially as more vendors jump on board and sales continue to grow,” she said.