Analyst: iPad 2 Cutting into PC Sales
Print
Apple set out to kickstart and then rule the tablet market with it's iPad, and now the iPad 2. Mission accomplished, at least until sexier Android tablets chip away at Apple's mobile market share. But what about PCs? It would be silly to think that slates will replace traditional computers, but according to one analyst, Apple's iPad devices have significantly cut into PC growth.
As noted by Apple Insider, PC sales are still growing, just not as fast as expected, according to Deutsche Bank analyst Chris Whitmore. As Whitmore sees it, PC unit growth for 2011 will likely hit 4 percent year-over-year, down from his previous prediction of 9 percent. At the same time, Whitmore ramped up his tablet sales forecast from 40 million to 45 million, with 35 million attributed to Apple.
"We remain skeptical whether the likes of (HP), Dell, Motorola, Samsung, and RIM etc., can close the gap on the iPad 2," Whitmore wrote. "Specifically, iPad challengers must either undercut on price (negative margin implications) and/or offer a superior user experience."
In 2012, Whitmore again downgrades his PC growth rate prediction, though not by much. He now sees PC sales growing 7 percent year-over-year in 2012, down from 8 percent.
More like this
14
Comments
Comments are closed on this article
Ghok
April 06, 2011 at 10:46pm
The iPad might make a good second computer for some people, so PC sales might take a small hit. Anyone buying one to replace a PC is going to be pretty disapointed. I'd say sales are more likley down because more and more people have PCs, and they don't need to be updated as often anymore.
Silencer
April 06, 2011 at 12:16pm
Sorry, just read the headline on this one.
I'm sure the iPad isn't running PC apps yet.
So it's not really cutting into PC sales.
garrettp
April 05, 2011 at 4:53pm
The good news is..... Now you can buy nice used laptops super cheap ;)
CaptainFabulous
April 05, 2011 at 11:46am
And we're somehow supposed to believe the predictions from Apple Insider?
rich5665
April 05, 2011 at 10:57am
Seems like someone is always singing the PC's Swan Song. The iPad 2 is just an expensive toy and like netbooks has its limits. iPads and Android tablets will not replace the modern computer any time soon; that includes Apple's own brand of computer.
Tophar
April 05, 2011 at 5:13pm
Yes power users would never replace their desktop with an ipad, but people who go out and buy a $500 Dell from Walmart and use their computer as a facebook machine very well might. Power users are not the only people who buy computers
big_montana
April 05, 2011 at 12:01pm
Or run Access without the need for a Citrix connection, or any database. Try designing, or maintaining, web sites on it. Just about impossible.
Exarkun1138
April 05, 2011 at 8:54am
It's ONE analysts opinion, and that's supposed to make the article fact? Who cares? As another person said, the tablet market is like netbooks, and just like netbooks, those who buy into tablets will see that they still need the trusty ol' desktop to do the heavy lifting. Also, I am sick to death of reading about Apple products in Maximum PC.
big_montana
April 05, 2011 at 9:01am
You may be tired of reading about Apple products, but the last time I looked, the PC in Maximum PC stood for "Personal Computer", and Apple computers are just that. If you do not want to read about Apple products, then all you need do is skip the article.
Neufeldt2002
April 05, 2011 at 8:29am
If I remember correctly netbooks did the same thing. The mass lemmings will swarm to the new shiny object for awhile, but eventually they will realize that they still need that computer to do extensive tasks.
Please make the publish to facebook opt-in not opt-out.
Silencer
April 06, 2011 at 12:21pm
It took me two reads to understand your facebook comment.
I get it now.
You've inspired me. I may even get a facebook page now.
Starting with something like...
"Facebook sucks. Welcome to my Facebook page."
big_montana
April 05, 2011 at 8:59am
Exactly. Which is why I just purchased a new laptop, as tablets do not meet all the productivity requirements that I need in a computer. If all you need to do is surf the web, and compose small emails, then a tablet will probably meet your needs. But, if you need word processing, spreadsheet, database, photo/video editing capabilities, then a more conventional laptop or desktop is the way to go. Tablets can supplement the computing environment, but I do not see it replacing it. That is why Lenovo's U1 is such an intriguing device, a laptop with a removable screen that can be used as a tablet. Power and portability, if it ever hits state side.
Connect with MaximumPC
Featured Content
The gang discusses the GTX 690, Trinity, Ivy Bridge, Amazon, big-box stores, MMOs,...
This month's issue
Feature
Build a PC On Any Budget
Feature
Cloud Services Showdown
How-To
Encrypt Your External Drive
Build It
Upgrade an X58 Rig
Most Commented Articles
Latest Max PC Tweets
- maximumpc: Original RickRoll Video Returns to YouTube After 24-Hour Copyright Hiatus http://t.co/MaH9Sxyy20 hours 39 min ago
- maximumpc: Corsair has decided not to go forward with its $78 million IPO, citing weak equity market conditions http://t.co/A5a4DAzj20 hours 48 min ago
- maximumpc: Want to work at Maximum PC? Our Online Managing Editor, Alex, is moving away, so we need a new one. http://t.co/9Z7JCh0E2 days 18 hours ago
