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Survey: 25% of computer users debating on going tablet-only
Although some reports of the so-called "post-PC era" have been greatly exaggerated, there's no denying that we're amidst a shift where many people are ditching their desktops and laptops for less capable, but more mobile solutions. For a certain chunk of users -- around a quarter of them according to a new survey -- devices such as smartphones and tablets are functional enough to meet their daily computing needs.
Conducted by the Center for the Digital Future and Bovitz, the survey asked folks how likely they are to replace their PC after it stops working, given the features offered by today's mobile devices. In reply, 4% said they definitely won't buy a new computer when theirs fails, 6% said they're unlikely to replace their PC and 15% said they might not replace it -- a total of 25% who are at on the fence about future PC purchases.
A little over half of the people who plan to drop PCs said they'll do so for the mobility offered by tablets, 38% say tablets let them do almost everything they did on a PC, 34% say tablets are easier to use than PCs, 26% find tablets more comfortable to use, 22% think tablets are cheaper, 19% are interested in mobile apps and say tablets are more functional (this isn't explained), while 15% say they're cooler or more stylish.
On the flip side, three-quarters of respondents said they plan to replace their current computer with another PC when the time comes. Among these users, 66% say PCs are more comfortable to use than a tablet, 58% require a bigger screen than tablets offer, 56% need the extra performance of a full-fledged computer or a mouse and keyboard, 43% rely on PC software and 25% worry about the security of other devices.
Center for the Digital Future director Jeffrey Cole has predicted that tablets will become the primary computing device in the US over the next few years, but he notes that they aren't yet as established as PCs when it comes to productivity. "The tablet has yet to prove its full functionality," Cole said. "As more ambitious work on a tablet becomes possible as software choices grow, more users will move to tablets."
Of note, this report coincides with a PC Gamer article that highlights the growth of the enthusiast PC market. The write-up includes a quote from Nvidia spokesman Ben Berraondo, who notes that sales of desktop GTX graphics cards are growing -- "massively" so when it comes to the GTX 660 and higher models. However, Berraondo also acknowledged that tablets are replacing sales of entry-level computers.
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User Comments: 35
Got something to say? Post a comment-
Techspot is biased and very obviously takes bribes.
It's that obvious is it? What exactly give it away?
How can you say TechSpot is taking bribes, when most of the articles are cut and paste from other sources?
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treetops said:
If you don't game or do work on your computer, why not buy a tablet the next time you need a new computer?
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"how likely they are to replace their PC after it stops working" Please realize modern PC's are pretty reliable, more so then laptops, consoles and tablets combined. So take it with a grain of salt when someone says on the spot that they will replace their PC with a tablet. You never know how long that desktop will last and when it does fail in 3 to 4 years maybe you'll already have a tablet and understand that a PC is still something worth having in the house. Yes a tablet is a fun little toy, but its just that, a toy. Also, just imagine what tablets are going to be in 3 to 4 years. Probably comparable to PC's right now, or at least the average PC right now.
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If you think you can replace your computer with a tablet then you are not a REAL computer user. sorry.
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If you think you can replace your computer with a tablet then you are not a REAL computer user. sorry.What constitutes a real computer user?
I'm sorry but when I see tablets and even cell phones doing more than any PC did back in the 90's, I have no choice but to disagree with you. You seem to be raising the stakes of what constitutes a real computer user, simply by looking at top end of computing power. And to further my argument a real computer user uses what they need at the time to get the job done regardless of computing power.
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Let me know when I can install Photoshop and Sony Vegas on a tablet. Oh and let me know when that tablet is going to let me render 1080p videos as fast as my i7 does.
I hope everyone recognizes my sarcasm.
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PC nerd said:
Hell no. I have my desktop for gaming. Laptop for work stuff, HTC Wildfire for phone.
I've used tablets before and I can honestly say, they're not the all-rounder technology which will replace everything. They're useless for gaming, typing and spreadsheet work. They're also useless for any kind of 3D modelling or web design.
They're nothing but play things for kids, Adults will always use desktops/laptops.
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This is based off the 25% that only use a pc for internet and social media, there is no way that you could fully replace a pc for gaming, you'd get sick of tapping, and mistapping...
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Techspot is biased and very obviously takes bribes.
Where's my bribe? I want a bribe too.
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" But in the end everyone who switches to tablets is giving up power,..."
I agree w/that. Been looking 4 a laptop w/dedicated graphics card and was amazed at the prices. Between that and the new trend in no cd player, I see that they want us all to load up our files to the cloud and have just dumb terminals eventually. They control the vertical and the horizontal. No thanks. It's bad enough they now charge by the year for programs when before you bought and owned them permanently. I see our choices slowly being taken away, bit by "oh that new gizmo!" bit.
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