Despite turbulent economic conditions, mobile computing continues to see surging demand resulting from sleeker designs, new form factors, and pent-up business demand, according to new research from In-Stat. Mobile computing devices, including tablets, mini-notes (netbooks & smartbooks) and notebook PCs will grow at a 19.1% CAGR through 2014 and account for over 400 million units, it says.
“While there will be a battle for the lower-end Internet-centric devices like tablets and netbooks, notebooks will continue to be the overall demand driver as consumers focus on lighter and lower-cost PCs and businesses continue to transition to mainstream and high-performance mobile platforms,” says Jim McGregor, Chief Technology Strategist. “In addition, demand for mobile computing is coming from both developing and industrialized regions.”
The research by In-Stat found the following:
* Tablets will record the highest CAGR of 123.6% through 2014.
* Notebook shipments will reach 291 million units in 2014 and account for 52% of the computing market.
* Asia Pacific will lead all regions in growth, surpassing 36% of the total market in 2014.
The research, “3Q10 Computing Forecasts: Desktops, Notebooks, Netbooks, and MIDs/Tablets, covers the worldwide market for desktop computing devices across six regions and includes shipment, growth, and segmentation forecasts for:
* Desktop PCs
* Mobile Internet Devices(MIDs)/Tablets
* Mini-notes (Netbooks, smartbooks, and UMPCs)
* Notebook PCs