"Initial ultrabooks came to market several hundred dollars above consumer expectations," says ABI senior practice director Jeff Orr.

"High systems prices and waiting for the upcoming Windows 8 operating system are two leading reasons for lack of adoption."

Next-generation systems that bring prices down closer to audience requirements along with touch-screen models that provide versatile input methods are promised for 2013.

The ultra-portable segment has significant growth potential as consumer expectations are met. A healthy growth rate of 53 percent is predicted over the 2012 to 2017 forecast period.

At the low end of portable computing is the Netbook PC. Netbooks kept the portable computing market afloat during the 2009 global recession by offering a low-cost solution for families and students. See: