Tablet growth in India depends on tech improvements

Though India's metropolitan areas are developing rapidly, much of the country still lags behind technologically. According to Amar Babu, managing director of Lenovo® India, this technological delay has stunted the growth of tablet computers and other devices throughout the country.

"This is only an additional screen for people using computing on the move. At home most still prefer desktop computers," Babu says of tablets in an interview with the Economic Times. "The preferred first computer device remains the desktop or at best has moved to the laptop."

Tablet computers are growing among certain groups in India, where Lenovo plans to expand its retail outlets from 750 stores to 1,000 by March. According to Babu, tablets are selling well in metro cities among wealthier buyers. The most popular tablet models cost around 40,000 rupees, or approximately $750.

For tablets to grow more rapidly, India's technological infrastructure will need an overhaul. Wireless networks, for example, have room for improvement, Babu says, and internet service providers must be able to offer high-speed services around the country.

Worldwide, tablet sales are flourishing, with research firm IDC predicting 62.5 million units to ship this year. The majority of this activity is taking place in more developed countries, such as the United States and European nations.