Apple Leads Notebook Market — If iPad Viewed as Notebook

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Photo by p_a_h - http://flic.kr/p/8PbnFC
Photo by p_a_h - http://flic.kr/p/8PbnFC

It’s all how you look at things. If Apple were measured only by its notebook computers, the tech giant would be in last place, behind HP and others. However, throw the iPad into the mix and the Cupertino, Calif. company jumps to the head of the class with 20 percent of the market and ahead of PC goliath HP. But no matter how you cut it, Apple is thriving while the PC languishes in a ‘stagnant’ ecosystem, a report claims.


For some time, a number of research firms, such as Canalys and IDC have said the iPad could be seen as a PC. Now comes Wall Street’s Deutsche Bank. Analyst Chris Whitmore tells investors Tuesday Apple would have 20 percent of the notebook market, ahead of HP’s 15 percent, if the iPad were counted in the second quarter of 2011.

What’s even more heartening is Apple is expected to make gains whether or not the iPad is classified as a PC.

“Within the computing market, we see significant opportunity for Apple to take meaningful share in the second half as the Microsoft/PC ecosystem is relatively stagnant, lacking meaningful offerings,” writes Whitmore. By comparison, Apple has a new Mac OS, new MacBook Airs, and a new iPad iOS.

As for the Apple tablet, it “remains the Gold Standard as competitors struggle for mindshare and traction,” the analyst writes, noting the multiple TouchPad price cuts by HP. Additionally, PC makers’ answer to the MacBook Air won’t reach volumes until 2012. The sticking point: they can’t cut prices much below the MacBook Air, according to Whitmore.

It’s an embarrassment of riches for Apple. If the iPad is a PC, Cupertino wins. If the tablet is just a fun content-delivery device, Cupertino wins. The company “appears particularly well positioned for more share gains heading into the back-to-school and holiday selling season,” Whitmore concludes.

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