5G Technology World

  • 5G Technology and Engineering
  • FAQs
  • Apps
  • Devices
  • IoT
  • RF
  • Radar
  • Wireless Design
  • Learn
    • 5G Videos
    • Ebooks
    • EE Training Days
    • FAQs
    • Learning Center
    • Tech Toolboxes
    • Webinars/Digital Events
  • Handbooks
    • 2024
    • 2023
    • 2022
    • 2021
  • Resources
    • Design Guide Library
    • EE World Digital Issues
    • Engineering Diversity & Inclusion
    • Engineering Training Days
    • LEAP Awards
  • Advertise
  • Subscribe

IDC: Tablet Sales Down 28% in Q1, But Outlook Better

By Staff Author | July 11, 2011

The tablet market took a hit in the first quarter after weak demand and a worse-than-expected seasonal decline after the holiday season caused an unexpected decline in shipments, according to a new report from International Data Corporation (IDC).

The research firm reports that global tablet shipments fell 28 percent quarter-over-quarter in the first three months of the year to 7.2 million units.

“We expect the rest of the year to be much stronger, but we believe vendors who continue to focus on the telco channel for distribution will face serious challenges,” said Bob O’Donnell, IDC vice president of clients and displays, in the firm’s report.

Shipments of the iPad were lower than predicted due to supply chain problems with the tablet’s display as well as the advance news of the iPad 2 several weeks ahead of its commercial availability, which prompted some consumers to hold off on buying the tablet until the most recent version was released.

Sales of rival tablets by manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola were “stymied” by data plan contracts attached to the devices by operators, IDC said. Android-based tablets now comprise 34 percent of the tablet market, an 8 percent increase from the fourth quarter of 2010.

Despite the grim numbers, IDC raised its 2011 shipment forecast for tablets to 53.5 million units from its previous projection of 50.4 million units. The firm expects sales to improve as new tablets come to market in the second half of this year.

The firm also said that Barnes & Noble’s Nook Color took the lead in the eReader market for the first time in the opening quarter of this year as customers turned away from the Kindle’s grayscale-only display.

“Amazon’s Kindle was second, but the lack of a color offering has clearly impacted the company’s previous dominance in the eReader market,” IDC said in its report.

The research firm estimates that 3.3 million eReaders shipped in the first quarter with 105 percent year-over-year growth. IDC expects eReader shipments to rise 24 percent over last year in 2011, to 16.2 million units.


Filed Under: Devices

 

Next Article

← Previous Article
Next Article →

Related Articles Read More >

High-directivity couplers optimized for 225 – 750 MHz applications
Integrated into IoT devices, iSIM poised to make inroads
Triple-radio and multiprotocol MCUs add application processors
5G vectors
How RedCap fits into 5G and IoT

Featured Contributions

  • Overcome Open RAN test and certification challenges
  • Wireless engineers need AI to build networks
  • Why AI chips need PCIe 7.0 IP interconnects
  • circuit board timing How timing and synchronization improve 5G spectrum efficiency
  • Wi-Fi 7 and 5G for FWA need testing
More Featured Contributions

EE TECH TOOLBOX

“ee
Tech Toolbox: 5G Technology
This Tech Toolbox covers the basics of 5G technology plus a story about how engineers designed and built a prototype DSL router mostly from old cellphone parts. Download this first 5G/wired/wireless communications Tech Toolbox to learn more!

EE LEARNING CENTER

EE Learning Center
“5g
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for EE professionals.

Engineering Training Days

engineering
“bills
5G Technology World
  • Enews Signup
  • EE World Online
  • DesignFast
  • EDABoard Forums
  • Electro-Tech-Online Forums
  • Microcontroller Tips
  • Analogic Tips
  • Connector Tips
  • Engineer’s Garage
  • EV Engineering
  • Power Electronic Tips
  • Sensor Tips
  • Test and Measurement Tips
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise

Copyright © 2025 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy

Search 5G Technology World