A new report by research firm Gartner indicates that total tablet shipments will overtake PC sales by 2015.
A Gartner report published on Monday, October 21, shows a trend of worldwide device shipments by segment, which indicates that tablets are experiencing an upward shift and PC sales are declining at a constant pace. Currently, worldwide shipments of tablets are lower than PC. However, it is expected that the gap between both the devices will reduce significantly in 2014 and if the upward trend of tablets continue, then it may surpass PC shipments in 2015.
"Although the preference is for dedicated devices, we see the opportunity for hybrid ultramobile to marry the functionality of a PC and the form factor of the tablet. Users that have to balance work and play will find that the advantage of buying and carrying one device outweighs the compromise in the full experience that single devices can deliver," said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner. "Users who are not limited by their disposable income will likely have a basic tablet as a companion device to their ultramobile on which most of their consumption activities will take place."
In 2012, the total worldwide tablet shipment accounted for just over 120 million units. In 2013, worldwide tablet shipments increased to over 184 million units globally, which represents an increase of 53.4 percent. The Gartner report suggests that the worldwide tablet shipments will increase to over 263 million units in 2014.
However, PC shipments accounted for 341 million units in 2012. The figure declined to 303 million units in 2013, which shows a downward shift of 11.2 percent. The Gartner report indicates that PC worldwide shipments are expected to reduce to just over 281 million units in 2014, a decline of around 7.2 percent.
Tablets are getting very popular in the technology market. The increased popularity has also triggered the launch of new tablets in the market, which are available in various sizes. Apple and Samsung are currently among the most-popular tablet makers in the market. However, other companies are also actively launching new tablets in the market.
The portability element, coupled with similar functionality of a PC, gives the tablet an edge over desktops and notebooks, which may continue in the near term as well.
