Researchers estimate that sub-$400 tablets will control more than 60 percent of the market by 2016, while the pricier models will lose share at the same time.
At the moment, the tablet market is dominated by 10-inch models costing well over $399 (i.e. iPad and iPad wannabes), but the market seems to be shifting to smaller and more affordable designs in the 7- to 9-inch range.
Amazon’s Kindle Fire and B&N’s Nook are leading the way, but Google’s upcoming Nexus tablet could be the real game changer, as it will bring a lot more to the tablet, including a beefy processor and 1280x800 screen, features usually reserved for high-end models.