Integrated graphics microprocessors take over notebook pc market

iSuppli predicts that 82.9% of notebook pcs will use such microprocessors in 2014, up from 39% in 2010. According to Matthew Wilkins, analyst at iSuppli, to develop products such as Apple's iPad, pc makers are adopting highly integrated semiconductor solutions that use less power and generate less heat, thus allowing smaller form factors. "By integrating functions that normally would be implemented in a separate graphics chip, graphics enabled microprocessors play a key role in aiding this effort," he noted. iSuppli's report reveals that the charge toward graphics enabled microprocessors is being led by ultraportable notebook pcs, with 90% penetration in 2014. Ultraportable pcs represent the fastest growing segment of the notebook market, with global shipments doubling from 2010 to 2014. As iSuppli's teardown analysis revealed, the iPad broke new ground in terms of electronic design with its focus on human machine interface (hmi) elements, mainly the touch screen. An important element of this hmi focus was the use of the highly integrated A4 microprocessor, which enabled the design of a system with only minimal space and cost dedicated to the core electronics. Wilkins said: "Intel has cornered the market for graphics enabled microprocessors, with its Core i Series products featuring the company's HD on chip graphics. In comparison, Advanced Micro Devices will launch graphics enabled microprocessors in the fourth quarter of 2010 and 2011 time frame." The report warns that the rising sales of these microprocessors is expected to have a negative impact on sales of standalone graphics chips, with the worldwide market for discrete graphics devices for pcs declining to shipments of 62million in 2014, down from 73million in 2009.