57 Million Media Tablets will Ship in 2015

Fifty seven million "media tablet PCs" will ship in 2015 according to analysts at ABI Research. That number is thirteen times the 4 million expected to ship this year.

While Apple’s iPad should factor heavily in sales, it won’t be the only product driving shipments. “Apple’s iPad is not the first media tablet,” claimed senior ABI analyst Jeff Orr, but it will be part of the mix. He added, “It does help define this new device.”

If four million tablets ship in the 2010, half will be iPads, according to analysts at Needham & Company; who predicted Apple to sell two million units this year. They also predicted Apple to sell an additional six million units in 2011.

ABI defines media tablets as having a 5” to 11” touchscreen and a Wi-Fi internet connection, in addition to video and gaming capabilities. Orr was quick to point out that he doesn’t think these will be PC alternatives for consumers. “A tablet will not replace a laptop, netbook or mobile phone, but will remain an additional premium or luxury product for wealthy industrialized markets for at least several years.”

Major device manufacturers are certainly paying attention to consumer interest in tablets. ABI cited Lenovo, Asus, and HP as traditional computer vendors embracing the form factor, along with smaller vendors like ICD and Notion Ink. Even Amazon is rumored to be producing a more tablet-like Kindle following Amazon’s recent acquisition of Touchco, an LCD touchscreen maker.

Source: ABI Research