7-inch tablet panel shipments reach nine million in January, expected to drive panel growth in 1Q13

Shipments for tablet panels sized 7-inch exceeded nine million units in January 2013 and are expected to be the main driver for panel makers' revenues during the first quarter of 2013, according to market observers.

Additionally, the observers said that in terms of the large-size panel segment, 39- and 50-inch TV panel products along with 13.3 LED backlit panels for use in ultrabook applications will also be in demand during the first quarter.

Panel makers are expected to report reduced shipments during February 2013, however, due to fewer working days during the Lunar New Year holiday period, added the observers.

Research firm DisplaySearch recently said shipments for small- to medium-size panels sized 9-inch and below reached 178 million units in January 2013, down 2% on month but up 29% on year. Large-size tablet panel shipments exceeded 20 million units during the time period, up 134% on year, added the firm.

Shipments for 7-inch tablet panels expected to drive panel makers' growth in 1Q13
Photo: Michael Lee, Digitimes, March 2013