Notebook PC Cameras in 2008: Supply Chain Developments and Product Trends

The widespread adoption of instant messaging and a push towards product differentiation by notebook PC brands have made web conferencing an important selling point for notebook PCs. Shipment volume of notebook PCs with built-in camera modules have been growing significantly since 2006. Key notebook PC brands such as Acer, Apple, and Asus have been promoting notebook PC cameras as a key product feature. With Taiwanese notebook PC shipment accounting for over 90% of the global market, Taiwanese makers have enjoyed significant advantages in developing notebook PC camera businesses. The appearance of slim notebook PCs and the continued slide in notebook PC camera unit prices are however posing new challenges to Taiwanese camera module makers.