Don't expect ultrabooks to transform the PC market, says analyst

From CNET News.com: The ultrabook is the latest fad being pushed by PC vendors. But these lightweight laptops are unlikely to lift the market this year, according to J.P Morgan analyst Mark Moskowitz.

Trying to capture the success of Apple's MacBook Air, PC makers announced a slew of new and upcoming ultrabooks at last month's CES. Intel has spearheaded the drive, even going so far as to create a $300 million ultrabook fund to help vendors transition to these light and thin "must-have" devices.

But the results aren't likely to pay off, says Moskowitz, at least not yet.

For instance, the base price levels ($899-1,299) of ultrabooks are still too high. Given that Apple sells its entry-level MacBook Air for $999, Moskowitz believes that Windows-based ultrabooks would need to drop below $999 before the corporate crowd starts to embrace them. For the average consumer, they'd need to target the $600 to $800 range, much the way netbooks sell at such low prices.

Another stumbling block: a lack of distinguishing features to make them stand out from much cheaper netbooks. Feature-packed smartphones and tablets are also capturing a healthy chunk of the dollars spent on personal devices.

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