iPad Tromped Other Tablets During Holiday Season

Apple’s iPad was the tablet of choice this holiday season, according to Wedge Partners analyst Brian Blair. Based on his retail checks, consumers weren’t interested in tablets from Apple’s competitors primarily because the competition’s quality is so poor.

“Even with a handful of tablet competitors hitting the market, the iPad remained the only game in town in our holiday checks largely because many of the tablets hitting the market are junk for lack of a better word,” Mr. Blair said, according to AllThingsD. “They are underpowered, poorly constructed and largely not ready for prime time.”

The iPad proved more popular than other tablets this year

Apple began selling the iPad in April, 2010, changing the tablet computer market. Instead of packing a laptop computer into a tablet form factor, Apple introduced a sleek touch-based device running the same operating system as the iPhone and iPod touch.

The iPad includes a 9.7-inch multi-touch display, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, the ability to run iOS-based apps, an ebook reader app, multimedia playback support, and long battery life. Some models include 3G wireless data access as well.

PC makers are expected to show off their latest tablet offerings at the CES expo at the beginning of January. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer will likely use his keynote presentation that kicks off the Consumer Electronics Show to highlight potential iPad competitors — just as he did last year.

Mr. Blair also noted that iMac, MacBook Pro and 11-inch MacBook Air sales were higher than he expected during the holiday buying season.

Apple is currently trading at US$325.36, up 0.68 (0.21%).