GottaBeMobile.com came across this interesting bit of information regarding the HP Compaq 2710p, a “convertible” Tablet PC, and where HP sees Tablet PCs fitting into the market.
The 2710p was launched this week, based upon Intel’s Santa Rosa platform and powered by an Ultra Low Voltage Core 2 Duo from Intel.
In the midst of all of the hoopla concerning Santa Rosa (and people wondering where the Dell Latitude 430 and Lenovo ThinkPad X61 are), HP’s Vice President and General Manager for commercial products, Alberto Bozzo, came out and said that Tablet PCs make up only 5% of HP’s volume, and that he saw no consumer market for Tablet PCs, although he did mention that markets such as medical or military do want and buy Tablet PCs. He also thought sales would increase over time.
Personally, I think if they are done right and priced right, a lot more people would use them. I think a lot of people are turned off by the price, when they can a more powerful machine in a 14.1-inch form factor for half the price. Yes, they are losing portability, but cost is an important factor.
Source: GottaBeMobile.com