From EETimes:
“Tablet PCs are expected to reach up to 1 million units shipped in 2004, up from about 500,000 last year, according to market researcher International Data Corp. Most of the tablets are going into “vertical” markets, such as health care or customer service. Acceptance by the corporate market is still slow, Kan noted, and even slower among consumers.”
First, we’ve got to shout out when we reach 1 million units this year. There’s something psychologically impressive about reaching this milestone. Sure it’s a small number in relation to the total number of computers out there, but think about it: The Tablet PC business isn’t even two years old yet. I don’t know about you, but all the startups I’ve ever been involved in would be jumping up and down if they had early numbers like this.
Now as to whether the sales are strong in the consumer market, it’s no wonder. I was just IMing a friend who’s interested in a Tablet and wants to try one out, but none of the stores have one he can hold. I don’t see this changing anytime soon. What would help is marketing not simply through one or two big chains but at the vast numbers of VARs and local resellers. Resellers need discounts on demo units. Resellers need training. Resellers need to be educated. It doesn’t look like this is going to happen though.
Instead, customers will have to be motivated enough to drive the sales cycle. And in order for this to happen the value of Tablet applications has to be very compelling. We’re getting there. But it takes time, like the article mentions.
Fortunately, applications for the student/education market are ripe. Right now, there’s OneNote and GoBinder as well as a handful of other excellent education-oriented apps. So my suggestion to Acer (mentioned in the article) and all the other OEMs is to do whatever it takes to get to this market. Now. Let’s hope they do.