COMPUTER GADGETS

Are you yearning for a gadget that is bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop? The tablet has become a defining trend for 2010.

The tablet – a gadget that is bigger than a smartphone but smaller than a laptop – has become the defining trend in computing for 2010. Launched in April this year by Apple, the iPad is a must-have device of the year. Its rivals intent to dethrone the culture-shifting California company before it locks in the MARKET the way iPods have become the ruling MP3 players. Our internet-age lifestyle has set the stage for the debut of a tablet computer and Apple has made it a success.

As consumers are working all the time, they have less leisure time but still want to maximize the enjoyment they get out of life. As such, tablets tend to fill those in-between moments and minimize their unconnected time. According to the Forrester data, 26 percent of US consumers who bought iPads use the tablets for work and personal purposes.

The top spot for using an iPad is the living room and the second spot goes to the bedroom. People are using tablets to read the wall street journel or watch TV in bed, especially before they turn in. The tablet is replacing laptop computers, television and print media in some circumstances.

Apple has managed to crack the market that others have struggled for years. It benefits from focusing on regular people instead of businesses, adding its hip cache and having real-world stores to let people try the iPads before committing to buy the device. Based on a recent research, it shows that Apple tablet owners consume more news, videos and other content online than other people.

A few analysts expect iPad sales to blast past the 10 million mark this month (if they haven’t already) while its competitors are hitting the market with their own tablets or have announced plans to do so. Samsung’s Galaxy Tab which is powered by Google’s Android software has sold one million units. Microsoft also considers tablets a “priority” whereas Blackberry maker ‘Research in Motion’ plans to release one next year named the PlayBook

According to Forrester, the number of US consumers using tablet computers will be 75 million by 2015. The figure is more than net book users but less than the number of people using laptops or smartphones. The tablet trend will put downward pressure on prices of laptop computers as Forrester research indicates that consumers will rather get a tablet than pay a lot more for a laptop.

The Consumer Electronics Show , that is set for early January 2011, will shape up to be the year of the tablet. The tablet market is about to become a lot more crowded with lots of different operating platforms and application stores to choose from. Apple will compete with an army of Androids for the consumer market, as well as, to see who can create the best tablet experience. It should force a wide range of companies, including chipmakers, computer hardware and consumer electronics companies, software developers and wireless carriers, to announce plans for tablets. The tablet battle is only just beginning.

Tablet’s Coming of Age – Apple’s iPad