On the heels of the iPad launch, ABI Research released a new report on tablet computers. The research company forecasts that this year will end with 4 million tablets shipped, whereas that number will grow to 57 million by 2015.
ABI Research defines media tablet as a device with a 5.11-inch or larger touchscreen with Wi-Fi connectivity and video and gaming capabilities.
ABI’s senior analyst Jeff Orr thinks that the biggest challenge faced by the media tablet category is how they will reach the market and generate awareness among potential buyers. “New entrants to this market are at a disadvantage since they lack the retail relationships and network operator agreements already built by the more mature vendors. Surprisingly, Apple may have done them a favor by raising the public profile of the whole media tablet category,” he added.
And in case you want to know more, ABI has a whole new study titled “Media Tablets,” which defines the new product category, discusses market drivers and inhibitors, and provides information about distribution channels, go-to-market strategies, product pricing and availability.