The Media Tablet, Tablet PC and eReader defined
I was reading the International Data Corporation's Press Release on tablet sales figures. What I found more interesting is how IDC classifies tablets. IDC classifies tablets into three categories:
- Media tablets - Media tablets are tablet form factor devices with color displays larger than 5 inches and smaller than 14 inches, running lightweight operating systems (such as Apple's iOS and Google's Android OS) and can be based on either x86 or ARM processors.
- Tablet PC's - Tablet PCs run full PC operating systems (such as Windows 7 or Linux) and are based on x86 processors.
- eReaders - Single purpose–focused devices.
"Looking forward, IDC expects the media tablet market to finish 2010 at nearly 17 million units, and forecasts 44.6 million will ship in 2011, with the U.S. representing nearly 40% of the total. In 2012, IDC forecasts worldwide shipments of 70.8 million units. Growth in 2011 and beyond will be driven by device vendors introducing media tablets based on Android and other operating systems, as well as price and feature competition and strong demand in both the consumer and commercial segments."