Analysts at ABI Research have given Apple an 84.7 (average) out of a possible 100 on the innovation and implementation scale.
Lenovo claimed second place, while Samsung clinched third spot with respective scores of 77.5 and 74.4.
“Even though Apple ranks at the top overall, both Lenovo and Asus beat Apple in the innovation segment,” explained ABI Research analyst Josh Flood.
“There is no one section in which Lenovo scores outstanding marks; nevertheless, the company scores consistently across all categories, never dropping below 65%.”
However, as Flood notes, Apple outscores its rivals significantly in implementation, with a large portion of this success attributed to the corporation’s global presence, market strategy and dominant market share for its MacBook Air line.
“We project that the company will ship almost three times as many ultraportables by end of 2012 as its nearest competitors,” said Flood.
“Samsung placed in second spot–its market support activities for marketing and advertising, strategic partners, and product portfolio proving to be very impressive. Lenovo was ranked in third position, scoring well with its strong market strategy and diverse array of ultrabooks.”
According to Flood, the ultrabook market has not taken off with the flying start that some expected in the industry, with growing media tablet popularity, the launch of Windows 8 and generally high ultrabook retail prices listed as the primary inhibitors.
“Nevertheless, device prices will fall and consumers will soon realize that ‘content creation’ on a media tablet is neither easy nor convenient,” he added.
