According to a study by the global research firm Gartner the shipment of global devices (personal computers, tablets and mobile phones) is expected to reach 2.4 billion units in 2013 registering an increase of 9 per cent increase over 2012.
Interestingly, the proliferation of lower-priced tablets and their growing capability is accelerating the consumer shift from PCs to tablets.
Carolina Milanesi, research, vice-president, Gartner, says, “While there will be some individuals who retain both a personal computer and a tablet, especially those who use either or both for work and play, most will be satisfied with the experience they get from a tablet as their main computing device.”
Milanesi adds “As consumers shift their time away from their PC to tablets and smartphones, they will no longer see their PC as a device that they need to replace on a regular basis.”
In 2013, the traditional PC market (notebooks and desktop units) is expected to decline by 7.6 per cent. The study predicts that beginning 2013, ultramobiles will help offset this decline, and thus the combined sales of traditional PCs and ultramobiles is expected to decline by 3.5 per cent in 2013. And the worldwide tablet shipments are forecast to grow from 116 million units in 2012 to 197 million units in 2013.
Ranjit Atwal, research director, Gartner, says, “Lower prices, form factor variety, cloud update and consumers’ addiction to apps will be the key drivers in the tablet market. Growth in the tablet segment will not be limited to mature markets alone. Users in emerging markets who are looking for a companion to their mobile phone will increasingly choose a tablet as their first computing device and not a PC.”
Source- tele.net
