Tablet success depends on price, enterprise adoption

A range of factors go into determining a tablet's success in a highly competitive market, and according to technology news provider eWeek, two of the big gauges in 2012 will be price and enterprise adoption.

Last year saw significant progress in the pricing arena. Android-based tablet computers seem especially well-suited for this development, as several devices based on Google's operating system were introduced in 2011 with a sub-$499 price tag. EWeek notes that this will continue to hold true in 2012, and manufacturers will need to launch tablets that are affordable yet still highly capable.

Enterprise penetration could also be a huge determinant for tablet success this year. No single tablet has an insurmountable hold over the enterprise market, so manufacturers could set themselves apart early by introducing tablets geared specifically for the workplace. These tablets should still retain some consumer-focused functions, as they will likely be more successful if they can be used both in the office and at home.

According to a study from market analysis firm Infinite Research, enterprise tablet shipments will increase by 48 percent annually between 2011 and 2016. Though the market has grown rapidly, Infinite's study shows there is still much potential for expansion in the tablet industry.