Only months after launching its first Tablet PC model, figures for the first quarter of 2003, from independent IT market researcher Dataquest, show that Toshiba has captured a 33.5 percent share of the Tablet PC market for the Middle East and Africa.
Strong initial demand for Toshiba’s tablet offering — the Portege 3500 - grew exponentially since launching late last year, according to Ahmed Khalil, Middle East regional manager, Toshiba Computer Systems Division.
The Portege 3500 is marketed as combining the power and functionality of a notebook computer with the simplicity and convenience of pen and paper. Toshiba and Microsoft technologies have been married to enhance the capabilities of mobile computing and allow users to communicate with their notebooks in a more natural way.
In tablet mode, the Toshiba Portege 3500 works just like a regular writing pad, giving users the same experience as if holding a traditional 295 x 234 mm notepad. With the tablet pen, users can write directly on the screen to create drawings, jot down notes, annotate documents or send e-mail. Handwritten messages can be saved as they are, or converted to digital text.
“The product is a direct result of listening to our customers and delivering a product that will add functionality to their traditional notebook, while adding productivity to their business,” said Khalil.
“Because Toshiba has focused on mobile computing and solutions for more than fifteen years, we have a unique understanding of what our customers need and want for a new era of mobile working.”
According to Khalil, Toshiba already holds a 28 percent market share across the entire range of mobile computers in the Middle East. It is the market leader in four Middle East countries, runs a close second in the rest, and aims to be number one overall before long.
- Arab News Saudi Tech Tracker 27 May 2003