The global tablet market is accelerating as low cost tablets are rapidly improving in functionality in the $40-200 price range, below tier 1 tablets. Initial demand is led by Chinese makers exporting to emerging markets with low PC penetration, with usage
mainly for entertainment (games, movies and music) but starting to offer productivity as keyboard attachments and Android apps proliferate.
Tablet chipset, component suppliers, and design houses believe published shipment estimates last year at 50 mn units may have been understatements and also believe this year builds may approach 120 mn units. The overall tablet market would have 120 mn
Apple/Samsung + 120 mn China tier 2/whitebox + 70 mn other foreign brands, about 310 mn units versus PC industry volumes in the 300-350 mn range.