Compal Electronics Inc (仁寶), the world’s No. 2 contract notebook computer maker, yesterday said it expects notebook shipments to decline 20 percent annually this year, matching an industry slump, as corporations cut spending amid a progressing economic slowdown. Corporate demand at the beginning of this year was considered a lifesaver to the PC industry, when demand dipped after students returned to school and consumers were cautioned on spending after surging energy and food costs weakened purchasing power. “Corporations have begun to worry about inflation and a recession, leading to ...