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I believe the iPad is a computer by most definitions and that it should be included when adding up shipments of computer systems.

But if that's true, shouldn't we include the iPhone and iPod Touch as computers too? That would obviously expand the field to include all smartphones (Android, Win 7 phone, etc.) and all similar devices when tallying shipments.

Where should the line be drawn?

Cheers!

---RASTER

RASTERMAN, on 02 August 2012 - 07:19 AM, said:

That's a good question, and I'm certainly no expert, but...


When it comes to what constitutes a PC, I'd guess that tablets should be included because they're large enough for doing meaningful work. The iPod Touch, and iPhone, at their much smaller size shouldn't be included in this group. Although they run the same OS as the iPad, and share much of the same software, if you've ever tried to do more than make a couple of small changes to a letter, or a spreadsheet in Pages or Numbers on an iPhone, then you'll see why they're not replacing PCs or laptops in huge numbers. The iPad, and other tablets however, can easily become someone's primary PC for email, writing reports, crunching numbers, reading books and magazines, and browsing the Web.

Lenjc1957, on 02 August 2012 - 07:42 AM, said:

I agree with all of that. iPhone/iPod Touch software is generally designed as pocket-sized proxies of productive apps. They give you just enough to do a few common tasks, but not meant to be a primary computing device.

The iPad is a primary computing device for many people - even if they also own a desktop computer. I know people who have purchased iPads and stopped using the desktop almost entirely.

The only time you should separate tablet statistics from PC statistics is when you want to know explicitly that - how much tablets have been sold vs desktop/laptop PCs. But if you want to know how many general purpose computing devices have been sold, by all means, include tablet sales.

RASTERMAN, on 02 August 2012 - 07:19 AM, said:

I don't want them to count tablets among PCs. As far as I am concerned, PCs have a x64/x86 processor and runs a full OS. You can't efficiently multi task on a tablet or phone unlike on an actual PC. I have an iPad and have used multiple tablets but non of them are productive - they are consumption devices - much like a smart TV is (as far as I am concerned).

This post has been edited by wickedme91: 04 August 2012 - 02:34 PM