Notebook-related IC designers including Ene Technology, Global Mixed-mode Technology (GMT) and ITE Tech are expected to see their revenues decline in a range of 10-20% sequentially in the fourth quarter of 2011 and also in the first quarter of 2012 due to weak demand from the traditional notebook, netbook and non-iPad tablet PC sectors, according to industry sources.

While sales of ultrabook models in the fourth quarter are likely to reach the upper targets set by respective branded vendors, the market share for traditional notebooks and non-iPad tablet PCs has continued declining, and therefore dragging down the performance of most notebook IC suppliers, said the sources.

For the first quarter of 2012, most notebook vendors are not in a hurry to launch new models as the quarter is a traditional off season, noted the sources, adding that a rebound of notebook IC orders is not expected to come until the second quarter of 2012.