The curse of tablet computers and smartphone cannibalization.-PriceAngels
There’s this new theory circulating on the web that laptop computers may be coming back to the top thanks to Intel’s new processor which gives portable computers the ability to run all-day on a single charge. And if laptops will rise, something will fall: is it the tablet computer? Can the new Nexus 7 and new iPad Mini prove this theory wrong?
Crothers asked his readers if this is an indication or sign of laptop rebirth that could break the curse of 7 inch tablet computers and smartphone cannibalization. It is safe to say that consumers are buying new smartphones and tablet computers because they’re mostly affordable, comes with dozen of features, and of course, run longer on a single charge — that’s why they’re called “mobile devices.”
Smartphones and tablet computers are powered by micro-processors, and it looks like Intel, with its new Haswell processor, has found a way to compete with ARM-based processors — giving the laptops equal footing with smartphones and tablet computers when it comes to delivering power on a small, portable package.
Arguably, the biggest rival of laptops are tablet computers and not smartphones and tablet computers now are available in various forms, from a small phablet with 6.3 to 6.7-inch screen, the new popular 7 to 7.9-inch display, and the traditional 9.7 to 10-inch all-touch panels. The tablet computer business is still booming specifically after companies like Apple and Google put devices on lower price points.
Apple last year took the risk and launched its pint-sized iPad with somewhat cheaper price tag — the iPad Mini, and channel checks show that Apple will launch an iPad Mini 2 later this year (or early next year according to some analysts). Meanwhile, Google is set to release its new tablet computer too later this year, the Nexus 7 2nd generation or Nexus 7 2, reportedly made by ASUS, the maker of the first Nexus 7 launched last year.
Unlike traditional computers and laptops, tablet computers are running “mobile” operating systems, Android on Google’s Nexus 7 and iOS running on Apple’s iPad Mini. Some say tablet computers lack “advanced productivity” mainly due to lack of physical keyboard and applications that IT experts can appreciate.
Microsoft, still considered “a new company” in the 8 inch tablet space, thinks that putting Windows on tablet computers is the only way to catch up Google and Apple’s lucrative market share — however, data confirmed that ARM-based Windows 8 has failed to beat Android and iOS.fdf2Fsd2d
Analysts also agree that Windows 8 with ARM processors is a disaster, but their eyes are now on next versions of Windows 8 tablet computers that will include Intel’s Haswell processors. “Transforming” tablet computers or laptop and tablet PC hybrids are also expected to proliferate thanks to Intel Haswell. Can Google’s Nexus 7 and Apple’s iPad Mini, with cheaper price tags than laptops, still outsell laptops in coming years? Or companies making laptops will experience gains and fewer people will buy tablets?Acer tablets for sale sells an optional $70 Bluetooth keyboard that acts as a stand and carrying case for the tablet. No, it's not a folio case like that included with the Acer Aspire P3, it's a roomy plastic keyboard with a slot for the tablet on each side. Up top, there's a slot to hold the tablet upright when typing and the underside has a latch so you can carry the tablet with its display safely nestled against the keyboard's underside. It's an unusual design and it works well.