Tablets won’t eclipse personal computers as fast as once thought

Tablets won’t eclipse personal computers as fast as once thought, according to studies by market tracker International Data Corporation (IDC). IDC on Friday cut its forecast for shipments of tablets and “two-in-one” devices combining tablet and laptop features to 233.1 million, saying growth would be about half of what was originally predicted. While shipments in mature markets such as North America and Western Europe were forecast to remain flat, those in emerging regions were expected to climb overall by 12 per cent.

When we look at the global picture, it would be easy to say that the tablet market is slowing down. But, when we start digging into the regional dynamics, we realize that there is still a good appetite for this product category.

IDC research director for tablets, Jean Philippe Bouchard

The outlook for personal computer (PC) shipments was less dreary than originally envisioned, due in part to businesses replacing machines powered by outdated Windows XP software. IDC forecast that worldwide PC shipments would fall by 3.7 per cent this year instead of by 6 per cent as it had predicted earlier. People seem to be waiting longer to replace PCs and are increasingly tempted by alternate computing platforms, according to IDC.

The smartphone market, which has experienced runaway growth over the last several years, is starting to slow.

IDC research manager, Ramon Llamas

Technology tablet sales