With more than two hundred different tablets vying for our attention in 2011, we now have the choice. More devices are due as first- and second-tier smartphone and notebook makers prep their response to the iPad. But even this avalanche won't deter most folks from getting an iPad, spelling trouble for non-Apple vendors who risk facing excess tablet PC inventory in the second half of 2011, reports DigiTimes.

The market watchers pointed out that there will be over 10 players competing in a market that has a demand scale of only 20 million units, indicating that the players may face excess inventory levels.

Samsung and Motorola tablets are already experiencing lackluster sales, Asustek's Eee Pad Transformer is struggling with manufacturing issues and Acer devices could be at risk as well, the report notes. MSI, Gigabyte and ViewSonic have also joined the tablet craze. Moreover, market watchers predict that a 2011 influx of tablets creates fierce competition that will see many existing players abandon the market by the year's end, market watchers predict.

All those players, however, are feeling the pain as Apple applies their supply chain magic to effectively block out competitors from getting the parts they need in volume and at fair prices. iPad 2 is still in high demand as the company appears to be selling every unit they can make. Telcos in South Korea and Singapore have temporarily halted iPad 2 sales citing the product’s global supply shortages. Indeed, iPad is ruling media tablets and there doesn't seem to be a high-profile challenger in sight.