A story in eWeek (@eWEEKNews) says tablet shipments will outpace those of e-readers by 2012, according to a new report by research firm In-Stat (@instat).
E-readers still offer the truest reading experience and appeal most to avid readers, but a broader market of consumers are demanding multimedia functionality, like Web browsing, video, and gaming, in their next mobile device. Tablets, like the Apple iPad, are optimized to deliver this kind of multifunction experience, and therefore, represent a stronger opportunity for suppliers and manufacturers alike.
“Of the two, the tablet market is the stronger and more sustainable opportunity,” Stephanie Ethier, an In-Stat senior analyst, wrote in a June 20 research note. “In fact, e-reader manufacturers will soon begin adding tablet-like devices to their lineups in order to take advantage of the tablet frenzy. Barnes & Noble already offers the Color Nook, which is often compared with a tablet, and Amazon, the leader in the e-reader space with its Kindle, will likely launch a tablet device later this year in an effort to compete head-to-head with the iPad.”
According to the research
- 38% of respondents own a tablet, compared to 26% who own an e-reader.
- Fueled by low prices and continued expansion of ebook content, global e-reader shipments will reach 40 million by 2015.
- Tablet shipments will outpace e-reader shipments.
- Over 60% of future tablet purchasers plan to buy a tablet equipped with both Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity
- By 2015, 15% of all tablet shipments will go into business markets.
Read the complete eWeek article. Read the news release in full.
You’ll also want to read “Tablet Computing Is Here To Stay, And Will Force Changes In Laptops And Phones” at Fast Company‘s (@fastcompany) Co.Design (@fastcodesign).
Content delivery systems are changing. Are your publishing plans ready for it? Talk to Somersault (@smrsault).