Tablets are Hot, There is No Doubt

I need a PC, I need a tablet.  But for those trying to decide on what to buy for their next computer purchase, tablets are making inroads.

Global computer sales are on track to set a new record this year but tablets like Apple's iPad are taking a bite out of the sector, technology research firm Gartner said on Monday.

Worldwide PC sales are forecast to total 352.4 million units in 2010, up 14.3 per cent over last year, Gartner said, but down from the firm's previous 2010 PC sales forecast in September of 17.9 per cent growth.

In 2011, worldwide PC sales are forecast to reach 409 million units, up 15.9 per cent over this year but down from Gartner's earlier estimate of 18.1 per cent growth next year.

"These results reflect marked reductions in expected near-term unit growth based on expectations of weaker consumer demand, due in no small part to growing user interest in media tablets such as the iPad," Gartner research director Ranjit Atwal said in a statement.

"Over the longer term, media tablets are expected to displace around 10 per cent of PC units by 2014," Atwal said.

Tablet computers like the iPad are expected to soar from nearly 20 million units this year to 55 million next year and over 208 million in 2014.

Apple began selling its iPad in April and a number of other companies have since begun producing the multimedia devices, which can be used to surf the web, read electronic books, watch video and more.

The computer industry as a whole is growing for many reasons.  The question now is how big of an impact will tablets have on traditional desktops and laptops?

"Media tablets are rapidly finding favor with PC buyers who are attracted to their more-dedicated entertainment-driven features and their instant-on capability," the research firm added.

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