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Tablets to Replace Low-End Laptops, Netbooks

Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by Daniel Cawrey in News

Recently it was reported that Barclays analysts have concluded that the tablet will be a device that replaces gadgets like netbooks and low tier laptops. This can be attributed to the fact that the pricing for these types of products are similar, plus the fact that Apple has captivated a market of early adopters with their iPad and its easy to use interface.

Does that mean in the future that people will carry and smartphone with them and keep a tablet for lounging around at home? While the whole typing experience still seems troublesome, that may be the case. If this is indeed true, then it makes sense for Google to develop two distinct operating systems bases on very specific needs. While we have seen Android-based tablets like the 5″ Dell Streak, it’s likely that tablets with larger screens would be more popular rather than something that just looks like a smartphone but cannot make traditional wireless calls.

Of course, the intention for Chrome OS initially was not for tablets. In fact, all evidence up to this point leads one to believe that right now a commercial product will actually be a netboook or larger laptop-like device. That’s probably not the ideal product anymore, at least at this point. No one has really stepped up to Apple to compete in this very new tablet space.  At least, not yet. But with this market doubling in size very quickly according to predictions, there is room for several rivals.

And that’s going to include Microsoft, as they are planning to work with manufacturers to release a good number of Windows tablets this year.

Tags: android, Applse, Chrome OS tablets, Dell Streak, iPad, smartphone, tablet market, tablets reaplce netbooks, tablets replace laptops, Windows tablets