Ultrabook could be PC's 'white knight,' report says

Amid a period of slumping sales that could carry on well into the future, the PC market appears in need of an adrenaline shot of sorts to boost some extra life into it. And according to a CNNMoney report, the upcoming Ultrabook™ computer might be just what the market needs.

"The PC is in need of a white knight. Consumer demand for PCs is slumping badly, particularly in the United States, Canada and Europe," CNNMoney's David Goldman explains.

The news provider notes that traditional PC sales have given way to the sudden growth of mobile devices, particularly tablet computers. While little else has changed in the PC market in recent years, the tablet represents a brand new gadget that is piquing the excitement of consumers and business users.

However, the Ultrabook may change that. As an incredibly lightweight and thin version of the notebook, the Ultrabook meets all the portability demands of the tablet, yet still includes a physical keyboard for those who aren't ready for the digital alternative.

Goldman notes that the Ultrabook is likely to be an instant success. Citing figures from market intelligence firm IHS iSuppli, Goldman states that Ultrabooks will represent 13 percent of all notebook sales in 2012, up from 2 percent in 2011.