Aussies take to convertible '2-in-1' tablets

Convertible ‘2-in-1’ tablet-notebook devices are currently the latest craze in the personal computing market with sales expected to triple within two years, according to a new study from Telsyte.

The emerging technology analyst firm stated that sales of the convertible devices are anticipated to rise from more than 500,000 this year to nearly 1.5 million in 2017.

Despite this burgeoning category of devices, Telsyte’s half-yearly Australian Media Tablet Study 2015–2019 indicates the tablet market continued to slow and is down 16%, compared to the same period in 2014, with only 1.5 million units sold in the first half of 2015.

Apple iOS devices maintained leadership with 48% market share, while Android devices with 38% share (down 4%) lost ground to Windows-based devices, which now make up 14% (up 4%) of the market.

Overall, the Australian tablet market has been characterised by a sharp decline in low-end device sales and the emergence of premium 2-in-1 devices.

“The tablet market has been impacted by larger screen smartphones and buyers seeking greater functionality from their next tablet purchase,” said Foad Fadaghi, Telsyte managing director.

He said he expects Windows-based tablets and 2-in-1s will gain around a third of the market by 2017, where they should exceed Android tablet sales.

“Windows-based tablets and 2-in-1s will benefit from an upgrade cycle that started with the arrival of Windows 10 and is expected to continue into 2017.”

Telsyte estimates that there were 13.7 million tablet users in Australia as of the end of June 2015 and new user growth is expected to mainly come from those under 16 years of age and those above 65, given market saturation in other age groups.

Image courtesy of Telsyte.