Image via rangizzz/Shutterstock
Research firm GfK has taken a close look at sales of computing products in Ireland last year, revealing a tablet-focused market that seems set to continue on into 2013.
GfK’s research shows a spike in tablet sales in Ireland in Q4 2012. This was no doubt driven by Christmas wish lists and the release of several high-profile 7-inch devices, such as the iPad mini and Google’s Nexus 7 late last year.
In total, tablet sales accounted for 67pc of the Irish computing market in Q4 2012, with 264pc more tablets sold than notebooks and desktops combined.
While the early days of 2013 have seen the rate of tablet sales slow in comparison to the previous quarter, that’s to be expected following the holiday season. Nevertheless, tablets continue to outsell notebooks, desktops and all-in-ones to account for 57pc of all computing products sold so far this year.
“Since launching our retail sales tracking service for media tablets in Ireland back in October last year, our research suggests that this trend will continue throughout 2013, as lower prices will continue to drive sales of these devices,” said Robyn Tovey, GfK account executive. “However, the market will become increasingly interesting as more hybrid devices (for example, a notebook that has a detachable keyboard, making it a hybrid between a notebook and a tablet) begin to hit retail shelves.”
Tablet user image by rangizzz via Shutterstock
