In view of increasing popularity, global demand for tablet PCs of all types will rise to 130 million units in 2013, possibly exceeding that for desktops, according to Taiwan-based supply chain makers.

Since more tablet PC hybrids will appear in 2013 with some even featuring traditional PC functions, the tablet PC market is likely to enjoy surging growth similar to that of the smartphone market, helping its shipments to trail closely behind global notebook shipments.

In 2011, global tablet PC shipments reached 60 million units with Apple accounting for 40 million units. Tablet PC shipments worldwide are expected to reach 90-95 million units in 2012.