Intel expects the year 2008 to be a hallmark year for mobile computing and Internet accessibility.

Outlining trends for the year ahead, the global chip maker said that people are likely to continue to access their favourite Web sites but increasingly, they will want to do that ‘on the go,’ as part of a dynamic, mobile lifestyle.

The company claimed that over the past year, online social networking has gained momentum thanks to companies like Second Life, Facebook and Linked-In, while online video consumption has increased dramatically over the last year, as movie-lovers downloaded more digital files than ever before.  

“In 2008, people are likely to continue to access their favourite Web sites but increasingly they will want to do that ‘on-the-go’, as part of a dynamic, mobile lifestyle,” said Khaled Elamrawi, Intel general manager, Egypt, Levant and North Africa.

“Advancements in mobile computing will continue to support the increasing popularity of notebooks as people opt to make their PCs as mobile as they are.”  

Notebook PCs are expected to represent more than 50 per cent of the value of PCs shipped worldwide during 2007, and more than half of the global volume by 2009.  For the first time during the third quarter of 2007 sales of notebook PCs overtook sales of desktop PCs in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Notebook manufacturers are fuelling this demand by tailoring their products so they appeal to a wider audience - from fashionistas to students, from gamers to outdoor types. As a result, in 2008, notebooks will feature more options for customisation and technology innovation will deliver a more vivid multimedia experience, as well as wider connectivity options and improved energy-efficiency. As notebook innovation progresses, people’s computing experience will increasingly be defined by what they are doing, not where they are doing it.
 
“The demand for notebooks continues to rise, particularly in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) – a traditional stronghold for mobility adoption - where notebook shipments exceeded expectations in the third quarter of 2007, recording over 45 per cent growth year-on-year. This trend is likely to continue as notebooks become faster, lighter, and more energy-efficient, and more people experience the benefits of mobile computing,” added Elamrawi. 

Based on an IDC forecast, the Egyptian market will continue its positive growth on both the consumer and corporate level in 2008, with average market growth expected to be at 25 per cent, Desktops at 6 per cent, while notebooks are expected to grow at more than 100 per cent.  Notebook adoption will encourage market growth and market share of mobiles

The company also highlighted that in 2008 and beyond, consumers and businesses will take advantage of faster, more widespread wireless connectivity for easier ways to access the Internet on the go. Most major cities in Egypt already offer a variety of wireless connectivity options through both chargeable and free Wi-Fi hotspots.  It has become a necessity for trendy cafes in Egypt to offer Wi-Fi hotspots in order to attract customers. The World Economic Forum 2007 Arab Competitiveness Report stated that Internet accessibility has recorded the highest growth rate over the past six years across the Middle East with Internet bandwidth increased by 2.5 times from 2003 to the following year.

As a single player in the IT space, Intel as a company has certified 90,000 Intel Centrino processor technology verified wireless hotspots worldwide. Intel’s technology solutions support a variety of wireless standards – including Wi-Fi, 3G, and WiMAX – allowing people to achieve anytime, anywhere connectivity.

“WiMAX is the next giant step in wireless network evolution that mobilises your Internet - miles from the nearest Wi-Fi hotspot. Mobile WiMAX blankets large areas<