Notebook demand undermined by new Apple devices

Notebook demand undermined by new Apple devices: Demand for notebooks slightly picked up in early 2014, prompting optimism among firms in the supply chain about sales in the second half of the year. However, notebook vendors' performances have been weaker than expected in the second half, and IT players and research firms have turned conservative with some believing notebook demand has been weakened partly by the launch of Apple's new iPhone and iPad products.