With Microsoft`s new Windows Vista operating system promising an exciting new range of functionality and greater versatility, the sales of tablet PCs can be expected to grow consistently beyond 2009.
"Worldwide sales of tablet PCs are estimated to have totalled $1.2 billion in 2004, with the majority of these sales prevalent in niche markets such as healthcare and real estate, where focused applications have been created for the devices," says Traci Maynard, business unit manager for Acer at Tarsus Technologies.
"With prices predicted to drop consistently over the next four years, tablet PCs will eventually become more general purpose devices and thus, a more popular choice for mobile users. These trends specifically, have urged numerous studies to be conducted in the US resulting in analysts predicting that the sales of tablet PCs will grow to $5.4 billion in 2009," she says.
"However, looking at the more immediate future, the uptake of tablet PCs in the broad horizontal corporate markets should start showing an impact on the tablet PC market in 2005 already," she continues.
"Other factors that will add to the popularity of tablet PCs will include an increase in the availability of software designed for use with this form factor and an increase in the size of conventional tablet PCs, thereby accurately addressing the needs of the corporate market."
Maynard explains that other factors in the growing popularity of tablet PCs are expected to come from Microsoft. "With the release of a Windows Vista-based tablet PC operating system, Microsoft will take tablet computing to the next level. There is also a new form factor scheduled for 2007 that Microsoft have dubbed `Ultra Portable`," she says.
"An excellent example of the versatility currently available from tablet PCs is the Acer TravelMate C310," continues Maynard. "Featuring the awesome Intel Pentium M CPU and 915GM/PM Express chipset, the C310 offers astounding performance on a tablet platform.
"Graphics are catered for by the super-powerful Nvidia G-force 6200 and, when combined with the groundbreaking dual-channel DDR2 533 memory technology, incredible power is supplied to enable next-generation graphics and faster multimedia applications," she says.
"But what most people love about the C310," enthuses Maynard, "is the amazing 8.5 hours of battery life that offers a full working day of battery power; and the built-in Intel PRO/Wireless 2200BG network interface that will keep users connected to WiFi networks at home, in the office or out on the road.
"With products like these already available and the expected advances to the platform, along with promises of lower prices, the future of tablet computing looks healthy indeed," she concludes.
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Tarsus Technologies is celebrating 20 successful years in the South African ICT market and is regarded as a true leader in broad-based hardware distribution.
In its two decades as a leading source of ICT solutions for the South African reseller channel, the Tarsus brand has become synonymous with excellent customer service and support, extensive product knowledge, competitive pricing and a commitment to the transformation of the channel from the delivery of point solutions, to holistic solutions that encompass and complement customers` existing IT strategies.
Through assisting the channel with favourable credit terms, skills and service delivery, Tarsus has ensured its success in the local market. The company also supports its resellers in putting together complex deals, right from affording them competitive pricing and credit terms, through to ensuring the right skills are on-site for difficult and large-scale roll-outs.
Brands represented by the Tarsus stable include industry leaders like Acer, HP, IBM, Oki, Samsung, TallyGenicom and Targus.
The company is consistently recognised by its suppliers, customers and the press for its leadership position. Awards the company has garnered in just the past year include: HP`s Distributor of the Year for 2004 as well as Best Growth awards in the PSG, SWD and Procurve Networking Business (PNB) categories. Tarsus has also been recognised as IBM`s 2004 PCD Top Seller Sales and IBM 2004 PCD Sales leader, awards which are given to the distributor that achieved the best revenue and growth during 2004 as an authorised IBM business partner.
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