The US market research firm NPD DisplaySearch (NPD) announced the tablet PC market forecast on January 7, local time. The report expected that in 2013 global supply of tablet PCs will reach 240 million units, while the notebook is 207 million units, Tablet PC will exceed the notebook. In 2013, Tablet PC global market share is expected to exceed notebook about 50% for the first time, which is higher than in 2012 by 38% and 26% in 2011. NPC analyst Richard Shim said: "in 2013, it is expected that the global Tablet PC market will face a further investment, thus contributing the growth in demand for tablet PCs, making the sales exceed notebooks."
According to NPD, compared with 2012 global sales of tablet PCs will grow by 64%, mainly driven by a variety of Tablet PC products.
It is known that in 2012 tablet PC market is driven by the 9.7-inch iPad. While in 2013, the 7-inch to 8-inch Tablet PC’s market share will reach 45%, to 108 million units; in contrast, iPad 9.7 inch Tablet PC share is only 17%, to 41000000 units.
The Chinese market sales growth rate significantly. China Tablet PC market size in 2012 exceeded EMEA, becoming the world's second-largest market after North America. By the promotion of the local manufacturers, the Tablet PC sales in the Chinese market in 2013 will reach 065 million units, share of 27% in the global market.
On the other hand, the North American market still be the largest tablet PC market, Tablet PC sales in the North American market in 2013 is estimated to be about 85000000 units, share of 35% in the global market. But at the same time, the emerging markets will also occupy a larger share in the Tablet PC market. In 2012, Tablet PC sales in the markets of North America and China have been exceeded the notebook.
In addition, more and more manufacturers have released a hybrid device can be used as a Tablet PC also can be used as a notebook. Industry have pointed out that the industry will be benefited from this trend.
