3D Notebook Shipments Off to a Slow Start

Posted 10/01/2010 at 7:55am | by Paul Lilly

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Everywhere you turn it's 3D this and 3D that, but despite the marketing blitz, 3D technology isn't winning over consumers in droves. That includes the mobile PC market where 3D is having a tough time getting established.

According to reports, global sales of 3D notebooks in 2010 will only reach 150,000 to 200,000 units, which is partly the result of targeting mainly high-end gamers. For example, HP just recently introduced a 17.3-inch Envy 3D notebook that sells for between $1,500 and $2,000. With or without 3D, that's a tough sell with sub-$1,000 notebooks sporting respectable specs these days.

There are a handful of lower-end 3D notebooks in the pipeline too, most of which feature passive polarization glasses rather than Nvidia's active shutter glasses. As 2011 rolls around, we expect to see vendors targeting mainstream audiences with 3D notebooks, and we wouldn't be surprised to see a handful of 3D tablets emerge.

At what price point would you consider a 3D notebook, if at all?

Image Credit: HP