There is a good chance that you or someone you know is using a tablet computer right now to handle some form of computing process. To take that a step further, there is also a good chance that someone in your office is doing the same thing. If not, that will change in the next few years.
IDC released a study looking at the current tablet marketplace and making some predictions for the future. The numbers show that in 2012, 150 million of these devices were sold and the forecast for this year will end with an increase of 63.9 percent to top out at 254 million. When the trends are expanded upon, it will reach nearly 600 million units by the end of 2017.
Some will chalk this up to the growing reach of technology and more consumers buying in. However, when you look at the numbers, computer sales will stay relatively flat over this same time period and fluctuate within 40 million of an average of 360 million units annually.
Basically, more people will be buying computing devices, which will likely be tablets. One reason for this is the price point.
"Tablet makers are increasingly targeting emerging markets by steadily lowering their average unit price. Brand-name companies are now selling tablets for $99," the report reads. "A year ago comparable models would have cost twice as much."
Apple has been at the forefront of this trend since it introduced the iPad in 2010. Businesses can successfully incorporate these gadgets with the help of an IT consultant that specializes in iPad deployment.
