Tablet PCs yet to fulfil business potential

80 million annual shipments expected by 2015, but current crop of devices have limited business appeal, says analyst

Android will offer stiff competition to iPad

The tablet PCs of today are not yet advanced enough for most business users, according to Juniper Research.

In its latest study, Juniper said that more than 80 million tablet devices will be sold annually by 2015. The growth will be due to an increasing number of consumer electronics players and handset manufacturers entering the market.

But Anthony Cox, senior analyst at Juniper Research, said that not all businesses will be benefit from the capabilities such devices offer.

“Using an iPad all day would be difficult if you have to type documents on a touch-screen, and it's relatively difficult to switch between applications," he said.

“However, it would suit the the creative industries, such as media, film and photography. But for spreadsheets and formatting documents, it’s not quite there yet.

“Various improvements to these devices could boost uptake in the business market considerably.”

Cox said that competition to Apple’s dominant iPad device is likely to arrive in earnest in 2011.

Google’s Android operating system will pose the biggest threat to Apple, with devices such as the Dell Streak and Samsung’s Galaxy Tab. Devices using BlackBerry’s QNX operating system, Windows Phone 7 and MeeGo will also enter the fray in 2011.

However, by then Apple is expected to launch a new version of the iPad and reinforce its market position.

Cox added that the threat that tablet devices pose to the smartphone market is limited.

“I see it as a fairly different category. It might compete for the purse of people looking to buy consumer electronics; people might buy a tablet rather than a high-spec smartphone. But the two devices don’t really compete head-to-head, because you can’t generally use a tablet as a mobile device.”