It seems that if you can pack three elements, 1) multiple functions, 2) lightness, and 3) low prices into your gizmos and gadgets, you may be able to succeed in luring back-to-school shoppers to part with their money. Apparently, tablet personal computers that function as video cameras and digital music players are in hot demand by students who want a device that caters to their academic and entertainment needs. Reuters reports:
Tablet personal computers on which users can type or handwrite their notes, next-generation handhelds that double as video players and advanced camera phones are among the hottest sellers, analysts say. One of the highlights is Averatec Inc.’s C3500 convertible notebook, whose display swivels back on itself and can be used to take notes longhand. While such a product isn’t new, the Averatec PC is a hit because of its comparatively low price, analysts said. It starts at $1,349.99 before a $50 mail-in rebate, according to the company’s Web site. “I’ve been told consistently that that has been one of the hottest products,” said analyst Tim Bajarin of Creative Strategies.
Another interesting trend brought up in the article: video instant messaging is increasingly catching on among youths now. Even Yahoo! and other media companies have rolled out video instant messaging.
Read: PluggedIn: Multifunction Devices Draw Back-To-School Crowd [Reuters via Yahoo! News]