By Priyanka Sahay, IANS,
New Delhi : Low-cost sleek tablets, some with exceptional features, have flooded the price-conscious Indian market in recent months, challenging expensive brands.
According to Vishal Tripathi, principal research analyst, Gartner Research, there has been a significant uptake of tablets in the market as compared to last year.
“The demand for such devices from the enterprise verticals has gone up. Sectors such as insurance have started using tablets for front-end customisation. Even the education sector has started showing keen interest in these devices,” Tripathi told IANS.
The tablet shipment for the quarter ended March 31 stood at 300,000 and is expected to grow 25 percent annually.
According to Frost & Sullivan, the Indian tablet market would grow to 23.38 million units by 2017.
“Tablet is a smart competing device that is fast catching up and will be driven further by seemless connectivity options and thus enhanced user experience,” said Milan Seth, partner and technology practice leader at research firm Ernst & Young India.
“In a price sensitive market like India it is the utility value that makes the devices popular. Tablet is of no value if there are no apps available,” he added.
Tripathi, however, believes the tablets still have a long way to go when it comes to offering bundled content.
“They are not offering enough content right now. Those companies who are trying to differentiate themselves by offering content are doing better in the market.”
A look at three low-cost tablets:
1. Micromax Funbook, Price: Rs.6,999
Funbook is powered with 1.2 GHz Cortex-A8 processor and 512 MB RAM. It is loaded with Android OS, v4.0.3 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and has an internal storage of 4 GB, which can be extended up to 32 GB using external micro SD card.
It offers mini-USB port to plug-in the data card with the help of the bundled adapter. It also provides Wi-Fi and 3G connectivity through a USB dongle.
The device has a 7-inch capacitive touch screen with 800x480p resolution.
Loaded with a 2800 mAh battery, Funbook gives around 5 to 6 hours of backup for an average user.
There is no rear camera, but the company has included a 0.3 MP front camera which can be used for video chats.
2. HCL ME U1, Price: Rs.7,999
The sleek device is loaded with Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system, 1Ghz processor with 512 MB RAM, and internal memory of 4 GB expandable to 32 GB. The device also has a a full USB, mini USB and a Micro SD card slot.
It offers an option of 3G data connectivity through USB modem, it also provides for Wi-Fi connectivity.
It sports a 7-inch 800X480 pixel capacitive screen and has a 3600 mAH battery and gives around 5 to 6 hours of backup for an average user.
The tablet comes with a front camera for video chats.
It also has 17 pre-loaded applications covering jobs, games, social networking and music.
3. Zync Z-999, Price: Rs.11,990
Zync looks simple but is loaded with 512 MB of RAM, 3G connectivity and a SIM-slot and hence calling facility. Powered with 1.5 GHz single-core ARM Cortex A8 processor, the device offers a micro USB port, 3.5mm jack as well as mini HDMI out.
It has a 7-inch capacitive touch screen with 480×800 pixel resolution and loaded with a 4200 mAH battery that gives around 3 to 4 hours of backup for an average user.
It has a front facing camera, built in camera resolution Mega Pixel- 2.0 MP rear and 0.3MP front.
(Priyanka Sahay can be contacted at [email protected])