Notebook ODMs are keen to expand into to gaming and ruggedized device segments that offer high ASPs. The ruggedized notebook market also has seen about a 10% shipment growth every year.

ODMs expect their notebook shipments in the second half to grow, but the growth is unlikely to be strong. And with a weak first half, overall notebook shipments in 2015 are estimated to decline close to 10% from a year ago and the volume is most likely to stay flat in 2016. The overall tablet shipments, on the other hand, are expected to drop sharply.

To maintain their profits, ODMs are now eyeing niche markets, where they have shipped very limited amounts a year in the past. However, these markets' growing demand and high products prices and gross margins have started attracting the ODMs.

The sources, citing research firm VDC's figures, pointed out that ruggedized notebook and tablet shipments are expected to reach 820,000 units in 2015, up 9.33% from 750,000 units in 2014 and the volume is expected to grow 7.31% on year to reach 880,000 units in 2016 and one million units in 2018.

Although ruggedized notebook and tablet shipments will only reach 820,000 units in 2015, the market value will reach US$1.65 billion with an ASP of US$2,010, far higher than the US$400 for the regular notebook.