Dawn of the Tablet Computers Era
Tablet computers, driven by the launch of the Apple iPad, became one of the hottest technology topics of 2010. In many ways reminiscent of how the netbook computer (remember those?) burst onto the scene in 2007-2008 the tablet computer came out of nowhere in 2010. The accelerated growth of tablet computers is projected to continue well into the future.
According to Gartner analysts “worldwide media tablet sales to end users are forecast to reach 19.5 million units in 2010.” Beyond the current calendar year, “Media tablets are poised for strong growth with worldwide end user sales projected to total 54.8 million units in 2011, up 181 percent from 2010 and surpass 208 million units in 2014.” Looks like a healthy growth curve for tablet computers to say the least.
Gartner defines the term “media tablets” as, “slate devices that support touch and run a lightweight OS such as iOS, Android, WebOS or Meego. Examples of media tablets are the Apple iPad, Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Cisco Cius.”
Tablet Computers – Manufacturers and Vendors
Companies who have who have already begun shipping tablet computers or will release them in the first half of 2011 include Apple, HP, Dell, Samsung, Acer, Viewsonic, Google, Blackberry (RIM), Toshiba, Asus, Cisco, NEC, Archos, Velocity Micro and a host of others. Competition will be fierce in a crowded field.
With varying sales projections and numerous companies rolling out their own versions of a media tablet computer there are quite a few questions about what 2011 will bring to the tablet computer world. For instance:
- Can anyone challenge the huge lead Apple has built with the iPad?
- Are tablet computer sales mainly being driven by early adopters or can tablets make the jump to mainstreet and broader acceptance?
- How much will the price of tablet computing decrease in 2011 as competition heats up?
- How broadly will businesses embrace tablet computers?
- How rapidly will tablet technology, functionality and capabilities evolve?
- Will your tablet computer replace your laptop? Your smartphone? Your television?
- What impact will a Google tablet computer running the Android operating system have on the marketplace?
- What’s the “right” size for a tablet computer? 5 inches? 7 inches? 9 inches? 10 inches?
There are plenty of questions that will play out over time in the tablet computer world. To present some insights into current tablet computers and technology I’ve put together a video compilation from YouTube showing a few of the current tablet computing competitors. Enjoy.
HP Slate 500 for Business
CNET Prizefight: Samsung Galaxy Tab vs. Apple iPad 3G
Hands-on – Samsung Galaxy Tab doing Android in tablet form
iPad review- Consumer Reports
AP Review: How the IPad Won Over a Skeptic
Samsung Galaxy Tab – All the Great Features
Cisco Cius Enterprise Tablet
Toshiba Folio 100 Review
Dell Streak
Much more to look forward to as the era of tablet PCs had just begun. As more of these tablet devices are finally released to the public I’ll be back with more information and insights.
