An estimated 145 million tablet devices will ship worldwide in 2013, according to ABI Research. A combination of new market entrants, more affordable choices for consumers, and increased adoption by business audiences will reportedly support the growth.

“The rate of innovation is slowing as tablet vendors augment their product portfolios to meet the needs of market audiences,” said Jeff Orr, senior practice director. “The late 2012 launches of Apple’s iPad mini and a variety of slates based on Intel architecture and new Windows operating systems will only begin to show their progress this year.” Most of the attention for tablets is coming from North America, where the outlook for 2013 has the region consuming just over 50% of worldwide shipments.

Business interest in tablets is expected to grow to 19% of all shipments in 2013 as more PC OEMs unveil product solutions designed for the workplace. While some cannibalization of the PC installed base is likely, the majority of new tablet opportunity reportedly comes from workers who have, until now, worked without the benefits of computing technologies.

For additional information, visit www.abiresearch.com.