If you are one of those who think that Tablet PCs are just a passing fad, think again. According to the latest NPD DisplaySearch’s Mobile PC Shipment Forecast Report, tablet PC shipments will be the major growth driver for mobile PC market over next few and year and they will surpass Notebook shipment numbers in 2016. Overall, Mobile PC shipments are expected to more than double in next 5 years, from 347 million units now to 809 million units by 2017.
Globally, in next 5 years, Notebook shipments are expected to grow from 208 mln to 393 mln in 2017. In the same period, Tablet PCs are expected to log CAGR of 28% growing from 121 mln in 2012 to 416 mln units in 2017.
Developed markets like North America, Japan and Western Europe will account for about 60% of tablet PC market share.
Worldwide Mobile PC Shipment Forecast
[Source: NPD DisplaySearch Quarterly Mobile PC Shipment and Forecast Report]
The Notebook market which enjoys over 60% market share currently among mobile PC shipments is expected to come down to 49% in 2017.
Why Tablet PCs are getting popular?
The ultra portable form factor, quick boot-up times, thousands of varied apps and long battery life make Tablet PCs popular among the mobile generation. According to a recently released report by Gartner, over 50% of tablet users read their books and other content on their tablet screens instead of relying on paper.
With most media houses launch mobile and tablet apps, this is expected to grow even more. The survey also mentioned that One-third of respondents used their tablets to read a book, compared with 13% of laptop users and 7% who used smartphones and other mobile phones.
What also goes in tablet’s favour is the price factor. Apart from iPad, most other tablets are in affordability range and prices are coming down further rapidly especially with Google making its foray into tablet space with Nexus 7.