- Consumer Evaluation was conducted for popular table PCs including Galaxy Tab& iPad -

More and more people are using tablet PCs for the Internet search, videos, and e-books backed by easy access and convenience. However, at the same time, consumer complaints are also rising in line with the growing demand for the tablet PCs. Consumer information provision is needed for tablet PC choice. 

The number of consumer damage cases related to tablet PC reported to the Korea Consumer Agency (www.kca.go.kr) rose up by 189% (or 68 cases) y-y to 104 cases in 2012 from 36 cases in 2011.  

In 2012, quality-related consumer damage topped the list with 44.2% (46 cases), followed by ‘after-sales service complaints’ and ‘contract cancellation or termination’ at 20.2% (21 cases) and 17.3% (18 cases), respectively. 

Against this backdrop, the Agency selected Tablet PC as the seventh consumer review item of 'Consumer Talk Talk (product evaluation and review information generated by consumers based on their product experience)’. The consumer evaluation is conducted via ‘Smart Consumer (www.smartconsuemr.go.kr)’, starting from Nov. 22nd. 

* Consumer Talk Talk: a section for consumer-participatory evaluation information on consumer products and services to be shared with other consumers, based on consumers’ own experiences in purchasing and using the products and services 

10 products of 6 manufacturers available on the domestic market were subject to the consumer evaluation including Galaxy Tab and iPad from Samsung Electronics Co. and Apple Inc., respectively 

List of tested products are as follows (Manufacturer and number of products): 

 ○ Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. 2
 ○ Apple Inc. 2
 ○ ASUS TeK Computer Inc. 2
 ○ Microsoft Corp. 2
 ○ Lenovo Group Ltd. 1
 ○ LG Electronics Inc. 1

There will be six evaluation items in place including functionality, performance, convenience for use, appearance and design, price and after-sales services. And, consumers can also post purpose of their purchase and comments, enabling active information sharing.  

Any consumer who has purchased or used a tablet PC can choose a product and make an assessment from the Consumer Talk Talk on the Smart Consumer website. The evaluation results shall be open to the public via the Smart Consumer homepage or Smart Consumer mobile application on the real-time basis

The KCA told the evaluation shall lay a foundation for sharing credible information on tablet PCs. The Agency is going to also provide purchasing tips and market analysis for tablet PCs to help consumers to make a reasonable product choice.