Apple iPad Creates a Buzz Bomb in Tablet PCs

The introduction of Apple’s iPad has definitely created a strong ‘buzz factor’ in the nascent tablet PC market, and will no doubt spark new activity and development in the field.  It remains to be seen, however, whether Apple’s slick and compact system will be perceived more as an entertainment and eReader device than a true multi-talented tablet PC.

While laptops are focused on productivity, and mobile phones are still primarily about communication, the main focus of media tablets is entertainment.  ABI claims that up to 4 million media-capable tablets will be shipped worldwide this year – which is a far cry from the 121,000 pure tablet PCs sold last year, according to market researcher IDC

The immediate impact the iPad will have is the Amazon Kindle eReader, says Stephanie Ethier, an analyst with In-Stat. \”The blur between tablets and e-readers starts within the year, and will impact the outlook for future Kindle, and all e-reader, sales,” she notes.

Worldwide e-reader shipments are expected to reach 28.6 million units in 2013, up from 924,000 in 2008, according to the results of a new In-Stat survey.  The largest percentage of e-book owners (45.5%) is also spending between $9 and $20 a month on e-book content; and 11%of the total survey respondents said they planned to purchase an e-book over the next 12 months.

So, no matter what you consider the Apple iPad to be – a tablet PC or an eReader – things have suddenly gotten very interesting in terms of product development and buying trends.

Be sure to check out our continuing coverage on the Apple iPad in NotebookReview.com and Brighthand.com, including these recent articles:

 Apple Introduces The Game-Changing iPad

 Why the Apple Tablet (or iSlate) Will Change Everything

 Apple Unveils the iPad

 Apple\’s iPad Not the Only Tablet Eye Candy Available

 The new iPad runs the iPhone OS — and that\’s the problem

 Apple\’s Tablet Computer Might Be a Flop