Affordable tablets on the horizon

As tablet computers move from being luxury items to a more widespread technology, their price tags may take a nose dive in the near future.

According to the Los Angeles Times, ITG Investment Research chief executive Tony Berkman predicts that by the 2011 holiday season, the market will see more tablets offered in the $200 to $300 price range. This will be fueled by market demand and manufacturers looking to gain an edge on market leader Apple®, whose iPad® currently starts at $399 for a basic model.

The more affordable tablets aren't expected to be the bottom of the barrel. The news provider cites the Android-based IdeaPad® A1 from Lenovo®, which is slated to launch in September for $199.

"Within a year, we'll start seeing quite a few decent tablets in that price range for sale," Berkman tells the Los Angeles Times.

While tablets are undeniably hot-ticket items at the moment, many consumers are biding their time for a significant price drop. According to a study from consumer electronics review site Retrevo, 48 percent of consumers cite price as the most important feature in their next tablet purchase.