Having a tough time competing with the iPad and unable to move inventory, Apple’s contenders are expected to significantly reduce the prices of their tablets in the coming months, according toa report byDigiTimes.
Citing sources within the companies involved, the publication states that we can expect to see companies like Acer, Asus, HTC, Motorola, RIM, and Samsung followthe example of HPand start lowering their prices by the end of September. Even though the cheapest tablet among these makersis already priced at just a shade over $370, the average prices of these tablets is expected to fall to around $350 for the holiday quarter, with prices as low as $300 also being a possibility.
Sales of non-iPad tablets have been dismal so far, with Apple having sold to consumersover ten times the number of iPadsthan its three biggest competitors combined have shipped to retailers. TheDigiTimesarticle says that Asus shipped 700,000 tablets between May and July, out of which only 500,000 units have been snapped up by consumers.
Given sales figures like these, it comes as no surprise that these tablet makers are looking at price as the one possible area where they could undercut Apple and score with holiday shoppers and gift-buyers looking to save some money. Whether the ensuing price war will have any effect on the dominance of the iPad—or if it will come out unscathed—however, remains to be seen.
Story byAayush Arya
Aayush is the India Editor & Apps Co-Editor at The Next Web. When not writing, he enjoys spending his time bungling about on Twitter or(show all)Aayush is the India Editor & Apps Co-Editor at The Next Web. When not writing, he enjoys spending his time bungling about onTwitterorGoogle+, and answeringemail.
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