Conclusion


When examining the performance of the iPad in 2010, it is hard to conclude that it has been anything other than an unmitigated success. It has surpassed all sales expectations, driven record profits for Apple, and appears set to grow at an unprecedented rate in 2011. It is also helping to generate revenue for publishers, advertisers and retailers, in addition to being the consumer’s choice of devices.


However, arguably the greatest impact of the iPad, is the shift it has engendered in the technology industry as a whole. One must only look so far as the 100 or more tablet devices debuted at the 2011 CES gadget show to appreciate the transformative effect the iPad has had on Apple’s competitors, hoping to take a slice of the Apple pie.


For the iPad, the main issue of 2011 will therefore be in maintaining its market lead, whilst making further in-roads in certain areas of the market. Publishing and eCommerce look set to be industries in which the iPad will flourish in 2011, with consumers and developers alike favouring the iPad above all other devices.


A number of commentators have shrewdly forecast 2011 as “the year of the tablet”, however with rumours abounding about a possibly imminent iPad 2 release, and speculation regarding the innovative features it may provide, all trends are suggesting that 2011 may well in fact, be the year of the iPad 2.


“Something massive has happened…it’s called the iPad.” “


Stephanie Baghdassarian, Gartner Research


16


“


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18