U.S. Tablet Sales Led by iPad in 2013 as Chromebooks Overtake MacBooks

[viacavour]

Apple is to slow to respond to market pressure. Last week the story was about a $3000 computer that only professionals can afford. Apple has lost touch with what the common person does with computers. And even if you put the answer right in front of their faces Apple will stick with the same format; profits first everything else later.

There is a business market for high end computers (Hint: it sold out and has a backlog within a short time) and there are other markets. They are not mutually exclusive. Technologies used there can also be reused in other segments later.

Their formula for entry level mobile computers are iPad and MacBook Air. We will probably see more innovation in those 2 categories. iPad is still leading the pack as we speak.

There will be new form factors every year, but it doesn't mean all of them will sustain their momentum.


Besides, this chart is for commercial channel (sales), it should not include Apple's direct sales numbers. In enterprise transactions, orders larger than hundreds are handled by Apple directly. So those selected NPD numbers are but a subset of the real picture for Apple.

 

[512ke]

Chromebooks overtake MacBooks

Worst headline ever on AI.

Most misleading. Most inaccurate.

Most ridiculous. Most pathetically begging for attention.

Chromebooks are nowhere near MacBooks in market share, unit sales, specs, web usage or any other significant metric.

Just belch.

 

[wikiverse]

When the iPad was introduced, people were speculating a much higher price. Jobs also lowered the original iPhone price to make it more mainstream.

The highest spec'ed MacPro is also cheaper than a self-built PC if you try to match the specs. Not all components can be found on the market at this point too:
http://techgage.com/article/apples-newest-mac-pro-costs-less-than-diy-pc-build-thanks-to-amd/

It all depends on the consumer segments you're talking about. Just like cars, there are higher end ones and entry level ones. You get what you pay for mostly.

Still, the point remains that if Apple are making enormous profits and their customers are celebrating those profits, then those customers are celebrating the fact that Apple are charging them far more than the cost of manufacture/distribution.

In other words, those people are happy that they're paying $800 for a phone that cost $200 to make.

You can love using a product with out loving the price tag.

 

[mantan]

What you're missing is the reason why people celebrate Apple is mostly due to the legacy customers that have been there when Apple was nothing, which is it doesn't sound like you are. I've been an Apple customer since the past 16 years so I was around when they were about to close up shop. To see a company (that has been belittled by Microsoft's clan of idiot customers and be belittled for their product (Mac) not having much software and never being taken seriously by anyone that matters) revive themselves from virtually nothing, come to market, innovate and move the tech industry forward gives me much pleasure to celebrate them. If you can't handle that then this isn't the place for you to hang out, plain and simple.

So somebody who's been on this site a little overa over a year, is going to suggest to who should and shouldn't hang out at MR?

I think the good folks who run this board welcome all folks who want to discuss Apple products, even if they are willing to be objective and sometimes critical of Apple products.

 

[bobenhaus]

[url=http://cdn.macrumors.com/im/macrumorsthreadlogodarkd.png]Image[/url]


The iPad held the biggest share of sales for any tablet in the U.S. during 2013, while sales of Google Chromebooks made up a bigger percentage of the laptop market compared to Mac notebooks, according to a new report from The NPD Group.

Image​

The data in the report showed that the iPad accounted for 15.8% of personal computing device sales, which was greater than that of Android tablets at 8.7% and Windows tablets at 2.2%. However, the iPad's share of unit sales in the U.S. this year is down from the year-ago period, where it made up for 17.1% of sales. Sales of both Android tablets and Windows tablets grew by 4.5% and 1.4%, respectively.

Meanwhile, sales of Chromebooks in the United States grew to 9.6% in 2013, surpassing the 1.8% share of unit sales held by Apple notebooks. Windows notebooks still held on to 34.1% of the market, but was down 8.8% from the 42.9% share it held last year.

The news follows a report in October stating that Mac sales were down 7% year-over-year for the full September quarter, as the decline of traditional PC sales as a whole is likely due in part to the rising popularity of tablets.

Both the iPad and the MacBook line of notebooks saw refreshes this year, as Apple announced the iPad Air and iPad mini with Retina Display along with updated models of the 13-inch and 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro at its October event. New versions of the 11-inch and 13-inch MacBook Air were also announced at Apple's WWDC keynote this past June, and featured enhanced performance with significantly improved battery life.

Apple could also be gearing up to release new types of both products in 2014. Rumors of a larger-size iPad for release in 2014 have surfaced occasionally throughout the past few months, and a report in October from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo stated that Apple may be planning to release a 12-inch MacBook with an all-new design in the middle of 2014.

Article Link: U.S. Tablet Sales Led by iPad in 2013 as Chromebooks Overtake MacBooks

Cloud based devices like the Chromebook is the future. Companires like mine are already looking into this type of device. Easy to manage and secure. The people who cant believe in the numbers of Chromebook might need to take off the rose colored glasses.

 

[viacavour]

Still, the point remains that if Apple are making enormous profits and their customers are celebrating those profits, then those customers are celebrating the fact that Apple are charging them far more than the cost of manufacture/distribution.

In other words, those people are happy that they're paying $800 for a phone that cost $200 to make.

You can love using a product with out loving the price tag.

Well, there are people who love Apple products with or without looking at the price tag. There are well built machines and run well.

The point is they are not necessarily overcharging. They will charge what the market can bear while continue to build momentum. If their price is too high, then few will buy their products. If they continue to sell well, then the market is willing to take that price.

The healthy margin is also useful in introducing _and_ supporting new technologies early. Many vendors talk about new technologies but can't really support them properly. If their volume is small, they can take smaller losses for a few batches, and then quickly switch to something else. When you approach them for problems, it may be hard to get support (e.g., swapping with a new device on the spot).

 

[Yamcha]

Of course there are Windows note book in that price and performance range with 6-7 hours battery life (or longer if you add extended battery). Google for them.

You can also find discount coupons that lower the price further.

For enterprise use, these Windows notebook comes integrated with existing enterprise infrastructure. They also have tons of apps. There is a reason MS is still standing today despite lagging behind in mobile devices for so many years.

I have yet to see a Windows notebook starting at $229 that is equipped with an SSD, has a thin and light form factor and 6-7hrs battery life.

Since Chromebooks are equipped with ARM processors they are as light as the current Macbook Air for example, so with that considered I think the price point's are reasonable.

Also us being Mac users can understand that sometimes, having Windows can be a drawback in many instances, especially If you're a new user and don't know how to deal with issues that will inevitably arise on Windows, probably even on Mac's sometimes..

I understand where you are coming from, you can get an entry level $299 notebook with Windows, however it'll be twice as heavy, thicker, larger, & use a traditional HD. Because of the SSD on the Chromebook it'll always feel faster than having a low-end Windows notebook, despite the ARM processor..

 

[viacavour]

Cloud based devices like the Chromebook is the future. Companires like mine are already looking into this type of device. Easy to manage and secure. The people who cant believe in the numbers of Chromebook might need to take off the rose colored glasses.

That is partly why iPad are selling well too.

Depends on your needs, cloud may or may not be a good solution.

Some execs, especially those in Asia, are not willing to let their corporate data sit on someone else's networks. With the recent news featuring NSA, more people will be wary too.



----------

I have yet to see a Windows notebook starting at $229 that is equipped with an SSD, has a thin and light form factor and 6-7hrs battery life.

Since Chromebooks are equipped with ARM processors they are as light as the current Macbook Air for example, so with that considered I think the price point's are reasonable.

Also us being Mac users can understand that sometimes, having Windows can be a drawback in many instances, especially If you're a new user and don't know how to deal with issues that will inevitably arise on Windows, probably even on Mac's sometimes..

I understand where you are coming from, you can get an entry level $299 notebook with Windows, however it'll be twice as heavy, thicker, larger, & use a traditional HD. Because of the SSD on the Chromebook it'll always feel faster than having a low-end Windows notebook, despite the ARM processor..

The article is about enterprise sales. As Mac users, you should be familiar with the differences between enterprise requirements and individual needs.

 

[cdmoore74]

There is a business market for high end computers (Hint: it sold out and has a backlog within a short time) and there are other markets. They are not mutually exclusive. Technologies used there can also be reused in other segments later.

Their formula for entry level mobile computers are iPad and MacBook Air. We will probably see more innovation in those 2 categories. iPad is still leading the pack as we speak.

There will be new form factors every year, but it doesn't mean all of them will sustain their momentum.


Besides, this chart is for commercial channel (sales), it should not include Apple's direct sales numbers. In enterprise transactions, orders larger than hundreds are handled by Apple directly. So those selected NPD numbers are but a subset of the real picture for Apple.

Not sure if you remember but ipads had 90% of the tablet market. It's down to 15%. And just because they have a backlog of $3000 plus computers means nothing. Just look at the surface 2. Reports indicate that it's selling out as well.

 

[kobalap]

Apple is to slow to respond to market pressure. Last week the story was about a $3000 computer that only professionals can afford. Apple has lost touch with what the common person does with computers. And even if you put the answer right in front of their faces Apple will stick with the same format; profits first everything else later.

Common people are buying and using tablets and ultra portable notebooks.

Which begs the question, what are you talking about?

 

[HenryDJP]

So somebody who's been on this site a little overa over a year, is going to suggest to who should and shouldn't hang out at MR?

I think the good folks who run this board welcome all folks who want to discuss Apple products, even if they are willing to be objective and sometimes critical of Apple products.

Just stop. You were hating on people here for celebrating Apple's success. This has nothing to do with being critical of Apple. Yeah, I've been here about a year, AND?? Does that somehow make me less qualified to judge computing or tech? I've been a Mac user much longer than many here.

 

[bobenhaus]

That is partly why iPad are selling well too.

Depends on your needs, cloud may or may not be a good solution.

Some execs, especially those in Asia, are not willing to let their corporate data sit on someone else's networks. With the recent news featuring NSA, more people will be wary too.



----------



The article is about enterprise sales. As Mac users, you should be familiar with the differences between enterprise requirements and individual needs.

Yeah iPads are nice but Apple like to put a premium price on their products. Heck my Molorola Zoom is a well built tablet and it will last forever for me.

 

[djgamble]

They've gotten considerably better with this recent rev of laptops, but even now they're now other companies have more or less matched Apple on pure hardware functionality, Windows doesn't have all the various gestures that make using one on OSX so fluid.

This is one area I believe Apple will always be ahead in.

I sum it up as:
1) Chromebooks are all thin clients, Apple only offers fat clients so has not chosen to compete in this area.
2) Microsoft is less 'evil' these days. Their founder now devotes his life to giving away all of his money to those in need. Windows 8 isn't a copy of MacOS/OS X like it has been for so many years. It has p!$$3d off users but I actually think it's kinda cool. To me it's the alternative to OS X (the Macericks type).
3) Google is dominating the market share for mobile devices (particularly when you look on a global basis). Their thin clients are gaining ground but are probably in the wrong category.

I would argue that Chrome devices are in the 'thin client' category. They are NOT for poor people because they REQUIRE an internet connection. Anybody who has travelled will know what I'm saying... you can't just get fast WiFi everywhere and in many parts of the world bandwidth is severely restricted by cost. (I realise that in the USA/Japan/parts of europe...etc have unlimited plans as cheap as chips and hotspots pretty well everywhere THIS is where Chrome is of use... rich, developed countries that have the infrastructure in place).

At work we use thin clients. Windows boxes that grab everything from a server on the other side of the country. Is this this the market Google are aiming at?

---

Also who says that 'college students' don't pay their own way? I work full-time (already have a uni degree in a profession and am re-training). Part-time I study at uni with a bunch of other full-time workers. I own an i7 MBP and a lot of other students have Mac notebooks (which they paid for themselves thank you).

Don't tell me the USA is different, I went to an Ivy League uni on exchange for a few units and it was the same story. Not just rich kids on mummy/daddy's money... LOTS of full-time workers busting a gut to study for a better future. I quite like the US system and wish we'd adopt it down under because it encourages you to do a more general degree, get a job and then come back to study a more specific/challenging degree. The US 'college' students I've met are mostly hard working, intelligent and paying their own way.

 

[viacavour]

Not sure if you remember but ipads had 90% of the tablet market. It's down to 15%. And just because they have a backlog of $3000 plus computers means nothing. Just look at the surface 2. Reports indicate that it's selling out as well.

Where did you get 15% from ? iPad marketshare is higher than that.

Having a backlog of $3000 computers means there is a real need out there, but they can't make enough at least for now. Would be better if they can fulfill faster (i.e., without the backlog).

As for Surface 2 selling out, it's good news for Microsoft too. They need more units out there, and would be even better if those units are sold at a good price.

 

[linkgx1]

You can also have external storage on a chromebook - something you can't with an iPad...

Didn't realize that. Thanks.

----------

Let's not forget that Chromebooks also have access to a fully functional version of the iWorks suite, now that Apple has graciously included a surprisingly robust set of webapps that can be used from any computer with a supported web browser.

Fasctinating.

I can see more and more apps in the future being web based rather than stationary on the hard drive. I mean, even look at Office 365. We technically don't need as much storage as before bcause internet is relatively cheap these days.

Except for the realiability at times and the fact that many companies have data limits.

 

[viacavour]

Yeah iPads are nice but Apple like to put a premium price on their products. Heck my Molorola Zoom is a well built tablet and it will last forever for me.

Or perhaps the other vendors can't sell their products at the "right" price ?

Some companies spent too much on marketing, which affects their margin. Some companies don't have good customer support because their margin is too low, so when you try to get something replaced, they give you tons of excuses. Some companies use older technologies or lower quality parts.

I doubt your Motorola can last forever. The battery will not. I know battery degrades quickly for "some" devices.

 

[iSee]

You can also have external storage on a chromebook - something you can't with an iPad...

* As long as you don't count wireless

 

[AdonisSMU]

The most used program on a computer is a browser. Plus you can tap into almost all of the types of programs they need simply by having a browser. Having a chrome book means that you will need another computer to supplement though. So it's like having two computers without the benefit of portability that the iPad has. I'm glad more companies are realizing that for many of their employee's uses they don't need a high end computer. They need solid web infrastructure and a thin client.

 

[samcraig]

* As long as you don't count wireless

Why would I mention something if it weren't a differentiator? The chromebook can utilize wireless storage too - that wasn't my point, now was it?

 

[viacavour]

The most used program on a computer is a browser. Plus you can tap into almost all of the types of programs they need simply by having a browser. Having a chrome book means that you will need another computer to supplement though. So it's like having two computers without the benefit of portability that the iPad has. I'm glad more companies are realizing that for many of their employee's uses they don't need a high end computer. They need solid web infrastructure and a thin client.

These days, a web browser can use local storage as well as remote storage. It is a platform, which is why Apple is also interested in iCloud apps, and MS in Office 365. We will have to tackle the growing pains and risks one by one along the way.

I don't think thin client is the absolute answer though. We have to choose the right performance level (Somewhere between thin and thick). As a reviewer put it, after going back to a Mac from reviewing a Chromebook, he's happy that his computing experience is speedy again.

Perhaps this is why Apple is leapfrogging with A7 for a start.

 

[Digital Dude]

Oh well, it looks like 2014 is going to be an interesting year. I guess the old saying is pretty much accurate. 'the one with the most toys wins'.

 

[blackhand1001]

His point was... Windows laptops in the $300-800 range are NOT good enough. And he listed a bunch of reasons why. (poor screens, poor trackpads, etc)

Yes... crappy Windows laptops sell a ton.

But if you want a "good" one... it's slim pickins. That's what he was talking about.

300 dollar range, I can see the arguement against, but 800 dollar PC's are usually excellent.

 

[timrichardson]

How many of these purchasers realised it didn't have Windows on it?

I think Microsoft's wonderful free publicity for the Chromebook has made that pretty clear.

 

[cdmoore74]

Common people are buying and using tablets and ultra portable notebooks.

Which begs the question, what are you talking about?

Yes, common folks are buying these products. Just not from Apple in great numbers. How can you say with a straight face that having 15% tablet share is good when that number was so much higher. Apple dominated the tablet market after ipad 1. They haven't adjusted. Just look at the ipads price and memory configuration; $500 at 16gig. Hasn't changed since the original release. And the ipad mini got a price increase in the face of capable devices costing half as much.
And don't let me start on Apple's computer business. The vast majority of people are cheapskates and Apple products are not even options to consider. No one wants to pay $1000 to check emails and browse the Internet.

 

[sseaton1971]

Even if they do last that long, how many Apple owners have the discipline to resist the upgrade urge for six years?

As others have said, I don't get the "us vs. them" mentality here. A BMW M3 is a better car than a Hyundai, but the Sonata sells more because they are more affordable. There are good reasons to own both. I own a 2013 Macbook Air and a Samsung Chromebook. The gap is a lot less than people think for many use cases.

I am not making an "us vs. them" point. Where did you get that from? I am just making observations and wondering about what the future might hold.

Good for you that you own a MacBook Air and a Samsung Chromebook. I also own multiple devices from different companies. Big deal.