Tablets and the Computer Market

Are tablets taking over the computer market? Tablets have been increasing in popularity since the iPad was announced by Steve Jobs in 2010. More and more people find it convenient to use a tablet rather than pulling out a laptop or sitting down at a desktop. They tend to be smaller and lighter, meaning they are even more portable than a laptop. Technological advances have allowed for greater functionality from a tablet. For example, Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3, is marketed through its pen input capabilities.

Tablets almost become laptops when paired with a keyboard accessory. Almost. The average consumer may not need more computing power than that which is offered by an average tablet; however, in the workplace, for example, there is still a need for the powerful computing. Even if newer tablets have powerful processors, there are tasks that cannot be done on a tablet. Sure a tablet is great for surfing the internet or watching videos on, but it is difficult to do actual work on. I’m sure a student could write an essay on his or her tablet, but with great difficulty. It would be even more difficult to format or edit the paper. Desktop computers and laptops provide more ease for working. A mouse and full sized keyboard allows for faster and more accurate use. A tablet screen is uncomfortable to type on, and touch makes it difficult to click on tiny objects. Even the larger monitor is better for working. It allows for a full picture view, and allows you to easily view multiple items without all the squinting. Multiple monitor setups are popular within desktop users. A tablet is a downgrade even from a single monitor setup.

Tablets are still a great portable device, but with the increasing size of smartphones, many people simply use their smartphone for these simple tasks. As a result, the tablet market is actually decreasing compared to its expansion a couple years ago. Full sized computers are more useful, and phones function just as well as a tablet (with a smaller screen size).

The tablet market is quickly growing as technological advancements make them more usable. In fact it is the fastest growing market currently, in part due to its recentness. Desktop computer and laptop use is not decreasing in size, but people are instead buying and using more portable devices such as smartphones and tablets. The table below from the International Data Corporation, shows how computer, tablet, and smartphone growth compare to each other:

Tablets will never take over the computer market. It is user preference for what they want to use for their casual use, whether it is a regular computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. People will always have a need for computers (unless something REALLY big happens). And tablets will just be another accessory they can chose to use alongside a main computer. While the tablet market is currently booming, they are uncomfortable to use for more intensive tasks, and will for the most part remain a leisure use computing device. More impressive tablets may replace regular laptops, but a stationary desktop machine will retain its status as the most powerful.