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New Google survey reveals interesting tablet usage habits

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Research shows 84% of respondents use tablets for gaming, while 43% use tablets more often than desktops and laptops when at home.

So, what exactly do people use tablets for? Google has asked itself that very same question and went on to survey 1430 users last March about their tablet habits, including hours of usage per day, common tablet activities,  where they are used most often, and many others.

Perhaps the most significant finding from the study is that 77% of all respondents claim to have decreased usage of their desktops and laptops ever since they started using tablets. The figure is relatively important as analysts and manufacturers alike have long speculated on the negative impact tablet sales can have on notebook sales. Additionally, a surprising 43% of all respondents say they even use their tablets more often than their dedicated computers on any given day. The direct consequence of these specific findings could have major implications on future netbook forecasts and sales predictions.

Another question from the survey asked users what they do most often when on a tablet, to which a massive 84% say playing games, with information browsing and emailing not far behind at 78% and 74%, respectively. Interestingly, reading e-books and watching videos are tablet activities for only about half of the respondents.

The large number of tablet gamers could explain why GameStop is suddenly very interested in the tablet market, and may possibly release a tablet of its own in the future.

Unfortunately, the survey did not inquire what tablets these respondents own. But due to the wealth of apps and games on both Android and iOS platforms, tablets in general are definitely becoming more of an entertainment device instead of an aid for productivity.

Check out the full survey in pdf form here for more statistics on general tablet habits.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2011 04 > New Google survey reveals interesting tablet usage habits
Allen Ngo, 2011-04-11 (Update: 2012-05-26)