Survey: 25% of computer users debating on going tablet-only

[Matthew DeCarlo]

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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https://www.techspot.com/news/51151-survey-25-of-computer-users-debating-on-going-tablet-only.html

 

[oldikes]

I find it hard to believe that 25 percent of people that use computers care about the differences between a tablet and a PC enough to contemplate for days and days whether or not to go completely tablet.

 

[Guest]

Where does it say they contemplated anything for days? They were asked a question and gave a forward-looking answer that was uncertain in most cases. In other words, it requires more thought before deciding, or they're debating on it. Assuming they're halfway sane, it's probably not on their mind 24/7, but the question will be revisited when necessary and their previous answer may or may not prove true.

 

[Wendig0]

They forgot to mention that they polled a bunch of hipsters standing in line outside an Apple store.

 

[learninmypc]

Personally, I'd rather have a laptop than a tablet unless the tablet screen was 15", then ok. Of course I can't afford either, so I'll continue dreaming.

 

[Guest]

Wanna bet that those 25% are going to say all the time "Can I borrow your PC?".

 

[misor]

May be a "hybrid tablet"...dock it in your desktop pc for charging/syncing/secondary monitor.

sff pc can be "docked" at the back of monitors so a tablet can be made to dock at a desktop pc.

 

[cliffordcooley]

I'd be willing to bet more than 25% have no need in anything more than a tablet. That doesn't mean we should abandon everything non-tablet.

 

[Guest]

Maybe kidddies but not core gamers.

 

[mizkitty]

Unfortunately for most it's simply a matter of economics. They can't afford both...and most already think their monthly cell phone bill is too expensive.

Desktop PCs seem like overkill when all they want to do is check Facebook while lying on the couch in front of the latest "reality" show.

Plus...they have to pay the "apple tax" premium or they can't brag to their friends about having the latest iFad.

 

[Guest]

Who relies entirely on tiny screens nowadays? That's a question.

 

[cliffordcooley]

Who relies entirely on tiny screens nowadays? That's a question.

Thats why there are docking stations for tablets to be connected to larger displays.

 

[Guest]

The way I reading is: at least 25% users only using their PC for running simple program/task and for viewing internet contents which is can be performed by ARM based tablets

 

[Lionvibez]

When they say 25% your talking about apple users right?

People that actually do real work on a computer won't go tablet only.

 

[Butch]

If all you ever do is browse the web, watch Netflix or Facebook then I could see people doing this. But for people that game or use PC's for business this is obviously not an option. I cannot imagine not having a PC for home use and as much as I would love to dump my work laptop I can't work without it.

 

[supertech]

At the end of the day it depends what you're needs are and what is ideal for the end user.

Why buy a tablet of you need to work with QuickBooks? Why buy a pc if you're simply going to check email and use Facebook?

It's important to match your needs with the wonderful choices in the market and get the best bang for your hard-earned dollar.

 

[oldikes]

Where does it say they contemplated anything for days? They were asked a question and gave a forward-looking answer that was uncertain in most cases. In other words, it requires more thought before deciding, or they're debating on it. Assuming they're halfway sane, it's probably not on their mind 24/7, but the question will be revisited when necessary and their previous answer may or may not prove true.

I was exaggerating.
"BUT THEN, wheres doz it say they gives teh straight fowardz answer?"

 

[p51d007]

I guess if you are the "average Joe 6 pack" that surfs the web, sends email, watches youtube....a tablet would be enough. But for me, I need the power of a laptop, for photoshop.

 

[Tygerstrike]

I havent had a home PC for almost 7 years. A lovlely family member had so infected my PC with visits to innapropriate websites, that I vowed to never own another PC. That was untill I found the tablet market. I personally have a Motorola Xoom. 10 inch screen,ect,ect. Its perfect for what I use it for. Checking emails, looking up websites, light paper work. Now I personally will keep supporting the tablet market because I do believe that Tablets at some point are going to replace PC/Laptop at some point in the future. The tech has no where to go but up. Eventually I will be able to play games like WOW or someof the FPS on a tablet. Will tablets ever replace pc prolly not.

 

[lmike6453]

At the end of the day it depends what you're needs are and what is ideal for the end user.

Why buy a tablet of you need to work with QuickBooks? Why buy a pc if you're simply going to check email and use Facebook?

It's important to match your needs with the wonderful choices in the market and get the best bang for your hard-earned dollar.

This guy^ "gets it"

 

[oldikes]

I havent had a home PC for almost 7 years. A lovlely family member had so infected my PC with visits to innapropriate websites, that I vowed to never own another PC. That was untill I found the tablet market. I personally have a Motorola Xoom. 10 inch screen,ect,ect. Its perfect for what I use it for. Checking emails, looking up websites, light paper work. Now I personally will keep supporting the tablet market because I do believe that Tablets at some point are going to replace PC/Laptop at some point in the future. The tech has no where to go but up. Eventually I will be able to play games like WOW or someof the FPS on a tablet. Will tablets ever replace pc prolly not.

with that mentality, tablets will become just a prone to infection as a PC is, correct? there are already reports of viruses appearing (although quickly disappearing) on mobile OS's.

I just don't understand why people would rather move their hand 6 inches to tap something rather than 1 inch. how is that faster. is beyond me.

 

[Tygerstrike]

@Ike
Which mentality are you refering too? I only speak of my experiences. I chose to not spend the money on a home PC because there is no need for it currently. I choose to use my tablet instead of dropping an insane amount of cash for a home unit.
How exactly is my preferences in electronics going to translate over to more moble devices being infected by viruses? Pls explain how you arrived at this conclusion.

 

[oldikes]

@Ike
Which mentality are you refering too? I only speak of my experiences. I chose to not spend the money on a home PC because there is no need for it currently. I choose to use my tablet instead of dropping an insane amount of cash for a home unit.
How exactly is my preferences in electronics going to translate over to more moble devices being infected by viruses? Pls explain how you arrived at this conclusion.

I dont know why I threw that mentality in there. What I meant was as more people switch to tablets they will be much much more prone to infections and viruses. People that program viruses tend to attack the bigger markets. Which is why windows has many more issues with viruses than mac or linux (I should say, more problems with the average joe accidentally downloading viruses. There are simply more viruses for windows than other OSs)

And I also believe that theres some miscommunication among consumers that desktops are insanely expensive. for 400 bucks you can build a nice desktop, or get a trinity laptop. thats cheaper than an ipad or other "higher end" tablets.

 

[Tygerstrike]

@Ike
Thank you for clairifying that. You are correct in one major aspect. There will be more viruses comming out for hand held devices. However, the major platform designers work very very hard to stomp out as many viruses as they can. As soon as one virus gets smashed down some other enterprising hacker will create another one. Such is the game of technology.
You may see $400 bucks as "affordable". My tablet cost me nothing really as I had to sign a 2yr contract for the cellular service so I got it for nothing. A DECENT gaming laptop is going to run $500-$700. A home unit may be a bit less, but still pricey when you factor in that the retailer will want thier money upfront before I walk out the store lol. There is the big difference between the two mediums. Laptop/PC requires a large upfront investment of cash with periodic equiptment updates. Where as a tablet in general may only need a new memory card (if your lucky). Its the harsh reality that I either use my smartphone or my tablet to access the web and give up on PC gaming right now. Or I could try and "Keep up with the Joneses" and put myself and my family in debt. For now atleast my stance will be that Tablets are great for webbing, atleast until I can afford to buy something powerful enough to run games at a decent fram rate.

 

[oldikes]

@Ike
Thank you for clairifying that. You are correct in one major aspect. There will be more viruses comming out for hand held devices. However, the major platform designers work very very hard to stomp out as many viruses as they can. As soon as one virus gets smashed down some other enterprising hacker will create another one. Such is the game of technology.
You may see $400 bucks as "affordable". My tablet cost me nothing really as I had to sign a 2yr contract for the cellular service so I got it for nothing. A DECENT gaming laptop is going to run $500-$700. A home unit may be a bit less, but still pricey when you factor in that the retailer will want thier money upfront before I walk out the store lol. There is the big difference between the two mediums. Laptop/PC requires a large upfront investment of cash with periodic equiptment updates. Where as a tablet in general may only need a new memory card (if your lucky). Its the harsh reality that I either use my smartphone or my tablet to access the web and give up on PC gaming right now. Or I could try and "Keep up with the Joneses" and put myself and my family in debt. For now atleast my stance will be that Tablets are great for webbing, atleast until I can afford to buy something powerful enough to run games at a decent fram rate.

Dont know what defines a "decent" gaming laptop, but my laptop costs 400 dollars and can run skyrim on medium and BF3 on low quite comfortably.

Anyway, a 2 year contract is acceptable to some people, but you end up paying your share for it in the end...just not all at once. Which is fine, assuming people decide to do the math first.

However tablet updatability is also becoming a new big thing. There are now noticeable differences in how what tablets run what they are supposed to run. Many android tablets cannot run 3d games that others can. Tablets from 3-4 years ago are already outdated and struggle running more powerful android apps.

In the end it all comes down to portability and power. If your tablet completely satisfies your needs thats fine. But in the end everyone who switches to tablets is giving up power, and until ARM progress stops that sacrifice, im sticking to desktops.