15 million Computing Devices Will Be Shipped into the Education Market in 2013

ABI Research projects nearly fifteen million computing devices will be shipped into the education market in 2013. Interestingly, netbooks are anticipated to be the largest proportion of computing devices shipped into the education market; however, the rapid popularity of media tablets and the encroachment of cheaper laptops with far better performance capabilities and lower price points will soon begin to rout the netbook’s appeal.

Some may believe netbooks are on the cusp of extinction, however, ABI Research projects nearly six million netbooks will be shipped into the global education market this year. Earlier this month, Acer and Asus announced the production halt of netbooks in 2013, following a number of other hardware computing OEMs that include Dell, HP, and Samsung. Global annual netbook shipments are predicted to decline by over 50% in 2013 from last year. The smaller, lower cost, lower performance laptop seems to have its days numbered.

“Netbooks opened the door for education institutes and other organizations to purchase suitable computing hardware at a very reasonable price while also offering numerous advantages to young children. Firstly, developing the necessary skills to operate a computer which is literally imperative in today’s world. Furthermore, subjects and modules can be tailored to the learner’s knowledge, understanding, and instant feedback can be provided to the learner,” says senior analyst Josh Flood. “Although the education sector is now, and going to be, one of the netbook’s main markets, we are also seeing media tablet/hybrid tablets beginning to emerge and surpass netbooks. Ultimately, the netbook’s market share in education will diminish and media tablets will become the dominant computing device.”

ABI Research’s new “Education Market for Computing Devices” report analyzes and provides forecasts for computing devices in the education sector. Regional device shipments and age range markets are also included in the report. It forms part of ABI Research’s Media Tablets, Netbooks & eReaders Research Service.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500 .