Study Shows 2-in-1s are Winning Over Buyers

IDC says that Western Europe shipments of ultra-slim convertibles and detachable devices grew by 44.7% in the first three months of 2016, compared to the same period last year, and accounted for 18.4% of total consumer shipments and 21.9% of commercial devices in the quarter. Detachable shipments grew 190.4% on a year-on-year basis in the region, from about 500,000 to 1.5 million units. Sales of convertible notebooks grew by 12%.

IDC said that despite the challenging market situation, these form factors have significant growth potential. The growth in 2-in-1 devices came against a backdrop of a contraction in the combined PC and tablet market of 13.7%, total shipments reaching 18.2 million units. The decline was a softer in the commercial market, which was down only 5.2%.

The UK was the largest European market for detachable devices in Q1, accounting for 23% of total shipments.  Apple, boosted by sales of the iPad Pro, took a 21% market share overall while in the commercial space, Microsoft claimed a share of more than one third with the Surface Pro.