Tablets gain more ground on PCs—survey

One-third of computers sold worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2012 was a tablet, according to a survey released Wednesday.

One-third of computers sold worldwide in the fourth quarter of 2012 was a tablet, according to a survey released Wednesday.

Tired of carrying both a laptop computer and a tablet? Then better get ready for the coming of the convertibles, laptops that have touch-screen monitors that can be bent to resemble a tablet computer.

The global market for tablet computers is growing faster than earlier estimates suggested, with Android-powered devices gaining on the market-leading iPads, a survey said Wednesday.

Microsoft announced Thursday that its Surface Pro, a version of its new tablet aimed at business users, would be available in January starting at $899 for US customers.

India has launched a new version of its ultra-low-cost tablet computer with a quicker processor and an improved battery, on sale to students at the subsidized price of $20.

British judges say Apple needs to apologize once more for falsely claiming that South Korea’s Samsung copied its iPad, the latest embarrassing episode in the tech rivals’ world-spanning patent battle.

Microsoft said on Tuesday its new Surface tablet computer – designed to challenge Apple’s iPad – will be sold at roughly the same price as the market leader.

Apple extended its dominance in tablet computers in the second quarter, shipping nearly seven out of every 10 tablets, according to research firm IHS iSuppli. Other tablet makers include Amazon.com Inc., which said Thursday that it had sold out of the Kindle Fire amid expectations of a new model soon.

The global market for tablet computers is extending its sizzling growth and will likely top 100 million in 2012, a research firm said Thursday.

Samsung on Wednesday unveiled a Galaxy Note tablet designed to make a more personal connection with users and aiming to knock Apple’s iPad off its market throne.

Apple extended its dominance in the sizzling tablet computer market in the second quarter of 2012, with the iPad grabbing 68 percent of global sales, a survey showed Thursday.

New versions of Microsoft’s word processing, spreadsheet and email programs will sport touch-based controls and emphasize Internet storage to reflect an industry-wide shift away from the company’s strengths in desktop and laptop computers.

On Tuesday, Research in Motion Ltd. held its annual shareholders meeting as its BlackBerry devices continue to lose market share to rivals, such as Apple’s iPhone.