Apple’s leading position in the mobile computing market is reflected in its average score for innovation and implementation which was 84.7 out of a possible 100. Lenovo placed in second position and Samsung in third spot with respective scores of 77.5 and 74.4.

Even though Apple ranks at the top overall, both Lenovo and Asus beat Apple in the innovation segment. There is no one section in which Lenovo scores outstanding marks; nevertheless, the company scores consistently across all categories, never dropping below 65%.

Implementation explores the vendors’ market presence, global reach and strategy, product portfolio, strategic partners, and market support functions. Innovation evaluates the ultrabook vendor’s leading devices on form factor and weight (portability), features and performance, new product launches, product portfolio, price and value proposition, emphasis on vendor’s ultrabook products, present/potential product potential, style and design, and user experience.

Apple outscores its rivals significantly in implementation. A large portion of this success is due to the company's global presence, market strategy, and dominant market share for its MacBook Air line. We project that the company will ship almost three times as many ultraportables by end of 2012 as its nearest competitors. Samsung placed in second spot – its market support activities for marketing and advertising, strategic partners, and product portfolio proving to be very impressive. Lenovo was ranked in third position, scoring well with its strong market strategy and diverse array of ultrabooks.

“As of yet, the ultrabook market has not taken off with the flying start that some expected in the industry,” says Josh Flood, senior analyst at ABI Research. Growing media tablet popularity, the launch of Windows 8 late in the year, and generally high ultrabook retail prices are the main inhibitors. “However, device prices will fall and consumers will soon realize that ‘content creation’ on a media tablet is neither easy nor convenient.”

Vendors outside the top three included in the study are: Acer, Asus, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, LG, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio.

ABI Research’s new “Ultrabooks” Competitive Assessment report analyzes and ranks ultrabook market vendors. Vendors are evaluated on numerous factors, including market shares for 2012. It forms part of ABI Research’s Netbooks, Smartbooks, and Ultrabooks (http://www.abiresearch.com/research/service/netbooks-smartbooks-and-ultrabooks/) Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.