Middle Eastern and African tablet markets emerging

A recent international survey conducted by Jefferies Research revealed that nearly 50 percent of all respondents from the Middle East and Africa indicated a strong desire for tablet ownership. The study illustrates the importance of mobility and connectivity in consumer technology around the world.

According to Khaleej Times Online, the interest in tablets may derive from their balance of power and portability. Early adopters are beginning to see laptops as cumbersome and netbooks as underpowered.

As the line between business and pleasure continues to blur in mobile computing, the versatility of tablets is gaining attention in the workplace. Owners can enjoy a consumer-friendly interface that is capable of everything from email exchange to gaming. Thus, it should come as no surprise that younger professionals are driving much of the market growth.

According to the Jefferies study, the 25 to 44-year-old age group contained the most tablet owners and the most respondents considering a tablet purchase.

The spread of affordable mobile technology to the international marketplace has many device manufacturers excited. But the more significant effect may be the connectivity it offers enterprises in developing countries that are on the cusp of entering a globalized economy.