Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
Summary: Apple has sold more than 2 million iPads, but there may be an opening for Android-powered rivals should they get their device act together, according to a Retrevo study.
Apple has sold more than 2 million iPads, but there may be an opening for rivals should they get their device act together, according to a Retrevo study.
Retrevo polled more than 1,000 people about the iPad ahead of Apple's WWDC powwow. In short, the findings go something like this:
- 52 percent of those surveyed said they don't need an iPad;
- 38 percent of folks say the iPad is too expensive;
- 10 percent are looking for a good excuse to buy one.
Then Retrevo asked about Android tablets.
- 53 percent say they'd get an Android-based tablet if it were cheaper than an iPad;
- 33 percent would get and Android tablet if Verizon were the carrier;
- 28 percent say they'd get an Android tablet if it were discounted as part of a subscription service.
This study gets to that iPad first mover thing I've been harping on. Apple is strong out of the gate with the iPad, but it's unclear how long it will take Android-based tablets to catch up on functionality. Thus far, I haven't seen any so-called iPad killer that could really give Apple a run.
The longer it takes for a credible competitor to emerge, the more runway Apple has. Apple may not get an iPhone-ish lead on rivals, but the Android army can't take its time either.
Judging from Retrevo's results, price will be a differentiator. However, Apple never competes on price---although pricing is going to be competitive---so a bunch of cheap tablets aren’t going to derail the iPad. Things will get interesting if a Droid tablet subsidized by Verizon Wireless hits the market though.
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Talkback
It's got to sell for under $200.00
And then you actually use an iPad
If Apple started offering iPads in a 7 inch form factor for $200 and dropped the price of the 10 inch to $300, and maybe offered an iPad HD with a 12 inch 1366x768 widescreen for $400 (all Wifi 16 GB models), then the price would seem more reasonable.
The problem with the upcoming group of tablets based on Android is going to be this - they're either going to lack basic features and use lower quality screens to be cheap, or they're going to pack on high-end features and cost about the same, or more than, the iPad.
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
You have to own a computer for an iPad to be useful.
As soon as they cut the cord, it becomes a useful device.
Android tablets will never, ever have to plug into a computer to be useable, so right off the bat they win there.
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
Competition is good
It's possible Apple could engage in some tablet price wars if some Android-based tablets appear. Or you could wind up in a situation like the iPod where people will still buy them even if it costs more in the face of cheaper competition.
If you remember, the iPod (like the iPad) got so much momentum after it was introduced that the competition still has to play catch-up with. Having a large head start helps quite a bit in that regard.
ubiquitous one
Droid101
In fact, you don't. Nice myth to try and propagate, however.
@goff256
Because they're the biggest monopoly in personal computing today. Contrary to feeble M$ fanbui excuses, they have a stranglehold over OEMs they they shouldn't have any control over.
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
Surveys like this are always interesting. I work for a research company, so I get to hear all the discussion on what happens when you ask consumers a "what if" question. They often respond with their fantasy, or what they think you might want to hear. On top of that we have the statement that people would buy a subsidized device, proving that they have poor math skills and are easily duped by the hidden cost of the inflated usage cost.
How many of those polled ever used one?
Consumers understand that tablets are NOT phones. What they want is
Now, a verizon data plan that included both the phone and the tablet (teathered), that would be great!
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
There is the concept that Verizon is going to be picking up the iPhone come July. This is just speculation, however. I do believe that this may bog down the Verizon network once this happens; but we shall see. I feel pretty strongly with the Verizon network. Even though they say that it is not one in the same I truly believe the roll out of the FiOS is part of their backbone and will play a huge roll in the support of all the new ?toys?.
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
iPad is essentially just a giant iPhone. Android is better but cannot begin compete with a real OS. It might be ok for a basic user, or basic web access.
Like it or not, Windows is the future of tablets.
http://twitter.com/timacheson/status/15340433693
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
There is no such a thing called a real OS and a fake OS.
You should know that Windows is no longer the future for the Tablet platform. HP knows that very well
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
The jury is out, and the masses do not care about Windows on a tablet.
iPad has it all.
Just like Linux propeller heads do not matter, Windows propeller heads do not matter either.
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
Android 2.2 devices are faster than the iPad, and that's been proven.
iPad doesn't have it all, like, for instance, not having to be connected to a real computer for it to work right.
Android devices (and I'm assuming all those new Win7 tablet OS's) won't need to plug into a "main" computer in order to function. That puts them way ahead of the iPad.
RE: Android tablets may have opening vs. Apple iPad, says study
Is there a study to back up your claims?
Where is the study that queried the masses?
BTW, the masses is not the same as the people who frequent tech blogs, so please produce the study that includes the real "masses".