Optical disc drive (ODD) makers have successfully reduced slim-type ODD thickness from the traditional size of 12.7mm to only 9.5mm to satisfy Intel's requirements for ultrabooks, but are currently reluctant to develop models with sizes below 9.5mm due to uncertainty surrounding the PC market's future.
Although ODD makers have enough experience and technology to develop ODDs with a thickness of 7mm, research and development costs are estimated to be double or even triple those needed to develop 9.5mm models, which is deterring ultrabook players and ODD makers from spending the resources, according to sources at ODD makers.
Currently, ODD makers are mainly focusing on developing 9mm or 8.5mm models, which are less expensive; however, so far, only a few ultrabook models have adopted 9mm ODDs, while 8.5mm models are still being evaluated by ultrabook players, the sources added.
