With the news of 3 million iPads sold in the first weekend of sales, the question must be asked. Are PC’s dead?
Lets look at the numbers first. In early March, just before the new iPad was released, Apple announced that in two years the iPad 1 and 2 sold over 55 million tablets. To put that into perspective it took 22 years to sell 55 million iMacs, 5 years to sell 22 million iPods and 3 years to sell 22 million iPhones. The fact that it only took 2 years to sell 55 million tablets proves that the tablet computer is an absolute success. But, does it have what it takes to overcome the PC as the ultimate computing device?
If you take a look at PC sales so far this year, you would be surprised to see that they actually went up 4% in sales and manufacturers are estimating that they will ship around 365 million units. Compare that to the estimated 90 million tablets that are to be sold this year and one would realize that PC’s are still alive and kicking.
Although it’s clear that tablets are the future of mobile computing and portable electronics, it is hard to believe that PC’s are going to be wiped out by tablets. Tablets are great for the couch, perfect for traveling, and are awesome multi media consumption devices. For those who work on the road or are in a fast paced environment a tablet would suit them fine. But could you imagine doing everything you do on a daily basis on a tablet. Typing on the screen? Cumbersome multitasking? Photoshop, Powerpoint, Paint!?!? Until tablet operating systems and hardware makers incorporate more ports for peripherals, the ability to use a mouse, and better multitasking, it won’t be able to overtake the PC business.
But what about laptops? Will laptops be replaced by tablets? Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
