Tablets to get lighter, thinner in 2012

Impossible though it may seem, upcoming tablet computers are likely to take up even less physical space than current models, as manufacturers put a greater emphasis on making the devices as convenient and unassuming as possible.

Technology news provider PCWorld predicts tablets will get thinner, lighter and smaller in 2012, noting that this shift has already begun to occur with the introduction of sub-10-inch devices and the establishment of 0.4 inches as the standard thickness.

At the same time, tablets are likely to become more affordable during 2012 -- another trend that is already underway. This year has seen the introduction of the $200 tablet, and, based on its success, it is likely that more manufacturers will follow suit.

PCWorld also states that tablet makers will focus more on the details of their devices, improving upon the elements that may have been lacking in their earlier models. Speaker quality, display and port options, to name a few, are all expected to see significant improvements in 2012 and beyond.

Now that most tablet manufacturers have released their first devices to the market, many are preparing to build upon their experience for the second time around. As a result, the tablet market will become much more competitive in the coming year, experts say.