For sure, tablets are the latest fad in tech industry and it absolutely stands to reason that the media mentions one of them at least once with each passing day. According to a recent research by a renowned research firm, tablet shipment will exceed laptop shipment by 2016. 

It is reportedly said that there would be a 98 percent increase from 2011 sales of 60 million units.

The firm also expects that the notebook sales will increase from 208 million units this year to 393 million units by 2017. However, tablet shipments will grow at much faster pace. According to an estimate, it will boost to fourfold from 121 million units this year to 416 million units in 2017.

It is found, Apple is the reigning champion of the tablets arena with its majestic iPad ruling the roost. Also, Apple's iOS continues to be the dominant media tablet operating system (OS). If reports are to be believed, Apple is likely to control 61 percent of the market and Google's Android operating system is expected to gain 32 percent market share. As far as Microsoft tablets are concerned, Windows 8 is Microsoft's official entry to the media tablet market. It is expected to get mere 4 percent market share in 2012. 

However, the study indicates that Microsoft's market share will rise gradually, helped by enterprise purchases. It is expected to grab 11 percent market share by 2016 as it lacks consumer appeal. 

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