The NPD Group has made a few bold predictions by stating that they feel the surge in tablet sales will continue, particularly over the next 5 years increasing from 72.7 million in 2011 by about 5.3 times to reach 383.3 million in 2017. According to the report over at Electronista NPD feels that the real increase in consumer tablet purchase will be recognized by developing countries due in large part to the devices becoming more affordable.
According to NPD, the key is going to be getting devices into that sub-$100 price point. This will mean finding less expensive processors and designing a tablet that offers reasonable features and performance while compromising based on the need to come in at that lower cost.
For nearly all applications in developing countries, a tablet makes good sense. It has fewer power needs, is more durable (no hinges to break or moving parts) and has a very simple user interface that means an easier learning curve.
As suggested by Electronista, tablets could be “segmented into “premium” and “value” models, where full-power devices like the iPad and Galaxy Tab line were separated from the very cheap tablets.”
The question of native apps becomes important when you are dealing with regions that may not have easy and affordable access to app store buying power. Do you let them rely on what is offered for free? One option may be to provide a ‘core apps’ package with tablet purchases that gives users the key things they may need for the environment they are working within (educational, home, business, etc.).
NPD also feels that screen resolution is a concern, indicating that displays need to improve with most being at least 150 pixels per inch or higher by 2017. I agree with them when they say that they feel Apple is likely to lead the way on this, but that there may be some good competition from others like Samsung and Acer.