Some might argue that the tablet has become the perfect computing device for the "instant information" state of our current world. While many consumers are purchasing the latest devices and using them in their everyday lives, even more of the business world is starting to invest in the devices. The numbers have increased so much that computer sales are suffering.
According to a recent study by Gartner, shipments of desktops and laptop PC's will drop 10.6 percent by the end of the year. That is compared to the tablet market which will see shipments grow by 67.9 percent.
"Mobility is paramount in both mature and emerging markets," said Gartner analyst Carolina Milanesi in a statement.
Overall, sales numbers for computers are expected to drop from 341.2 in 2012 to 305.1 million. On the flip side, tablets should rise by over 80 million units and top out at 201.8 million by the end of the year. Gartner expects tablets to overtake computers by the end of 2014 but also be able to outsell just laptops by the end of 2013.
Another study by IDC predicts tablet sales growth to come in at 58.7 percent by the end of the year and reach 229.3 million. That number is 27 million more than the Gartner projections.
Gartner chalks this up to the growing adoption of bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies in the business sector as well as overall enterprise acceptance. By partnering with an IT consulting firm that specializes in iPad deployments, a company can add the devices to their workplace.
