The notebook industry, which was in a downturn, seems to be in recovery. The launch of the new iPad in late March didn't create an impact on notebook shipments, and the result is an optimistic shipment forecast for notebooks in the future, according to Joanne Chien, senior analyst at Digitimes Research (http://www.digitimes.com).

The research group adds that Apple, which entered into the market of ultra-thin notebooks with its MacBook Air, is also planning to adopt ultra-thin designs for its MacBook Pro product line and is set to start mass producing a 15-inch MacBook Pro in mid-April. Initial monthly shipments will be about 200,000 units, claims DigiTimes. The company will then mass produce a 13-inch model in June with initial monthly shipments of 300,000-400,000 units, the research group adds.