Analyst: iPad share looking up in spite of tablet industry
updated 01:30 pm EDT, Fri May 13, 2011
Android tablets not expected to live up to hopes
A hardware analyst with Goldman Sachs, Bill Shope, has lowered his overall forecasts for the tablet industry. In 2011 total unit shipments are now expected to reach just 57.7 million, as compared with an earlier prediction of 60.1 million. For 2012 the estimate shift is slightly smaller, down 2 million units to 78 million. The problem lies with Android tablets, which aren't expected to sell as well, according to Shope.
The main beneficiary of the situation may be Apple. Shope is raising his estimates for iPad marketshare in 2011, pushing them from 64 to 66.4 percent. Looking ahead to 2012 Apple's share has only been adjusted slightly, from 65 percent to 66.6, reflecting industry predictions.
iPad rivals such as the Motorola Xoom and the RIM PlayBook have failed to catch fire so far. While varying between devices, some problems have included sub-par features, inadequate app libraries and high prices. In the case of ASUS' Eee Pad Transformer, the major obstacle has been low production.
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Joined: Jan 2010
Oh, they've caught fire all right.
Re: "iPad rivals such as the Motorola Xoom and the RIM PlayBook have failed to catch fire so far."
I disagree. I think they crashed and burned.