Notebook PCs with quad-core microprocessors are estimated to quadruple from 2012 to 2016, according to IHS iSuppli. The quad-core equipped notebooks will reach 179 million units by 2016, which will be about 59% of the notebook market.  In comparison, the 48 million quad-core notebook PCs represent 22% of all notebooks shipped in 2012. “The increase in notebooks’ computational capabilities through the use of quad-core microprocessors will play a critical role in PC markers’ efforts to remain competitive amid the onslaught of media tablets and smart phones,” said Peter Lin, who is the senior analyst for IHS. Notebook PCs have increased their multitasking capabilities with the quad-core microprocessors. The quad-core processor penetration is expected to increase from 13% to 68% in value notebooks, which cost less than $700, when the total of notebooks with older dual-core processors will amount to 8%. In addition to quad-core processing ability, future notebook PCs will feature Blu-ray optical drives and 64-bit operating systems.

IHS iSuppli