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Research firm IDC has released their quarterly “Worldwide Smart Connected Device Market” report, which is a ranking that is tailored to the more mobile-centric computing industry we have today. The results of Q3 2012 aren’t quite surprising with the arguably 2 current biggest names in the game, Apple and Samsung, taking top honors in their own ways.
A quick glance at the chart and you might come to the conclusion, “Samsung wins!” But further examination of the data shows that Apple may be simply playing another game. While Samsung handily leads in terms of shipment volume, Apple leads the pack when it comes to value. According to Ryan Keith, IDC analyst, “The fact that Apple’s [average selling price] is $310 higher than Samsung’s with just over 20 million fewer shipments in the quarter speaks volumes about the premium product line that Apple sells.” Long story short, Samsung sells more but Apple profits more from each device sold.
Another interesting fact you’ll notice in the charts is the ever-waning popularity of the traditional desktop PC in the face of the recent shift to more mobile computing methods. HP, a company whose product line is still mainly focused on desktops and laptops, has seen its share dropped from 7.4% percent in last year’s 3Q11 to an even lower 4.6% in this year’s. The IDC describes them as “virtually non-existent in the mobile space.”
With the industry trending towards mobile, you really have to wonder. Where will the traditional desktop stand in the years to come? All the innovation in mobile is great, but I think there always be a place for the old desktop. Can you see yourself only using your mobile phone and tablet in the future? Let us know in the comments!
