The burgeoning market for media tablets, boosted by the launch of Apple's iPad, will be driven by the device's attributes as a content consumption platform and the compelling applications and services that will be created to take advantage of them, says a report by International data Corporation (IDC). According to IDC's latest forecast, worldwide media tablet shipments will grow from 7.6 million units in 2010 to more than 46 million units in 2014, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 57.4 percent. In comparison, IDC expects 398 million portable PCs will be shipped in 2014.
IDC defines media tablets as tablet form factor devices with 7-12 inch colour displays. They are currently based on ARM processors and run lightweight operating systems such as Apple's iPhone OS and Google's Android OS. This distinguishes them from tablet PCs, which are based on x86 processors and run full PC operating systems. Media tablets do not include built-in hardware keyboards but use a stylus/pen or finger for navigation and data input. They provide a broad range of applications and connectivity, differentiating them from primarily single-function devices such as e-readers. Although media tablets will primarily be marketed as multifunction entertainment devices, productivity applications will eventually be available to support consumer and enterprise users.
The IDC report, Worldwide and US Media Tablet 2010-2014 Forecast (IDC #223350), forecasts and analyses the worldwide and US media tablet market. It reviews current and expected market trends and presents shipment, revenue and ASP data for the 2009-2014 forecast period. Media tablets are considered separately from tablet PCs.
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