More than 8 out of 10 U.S. tablet users own the iPad. That’s the word from a new survey of the domestic tablet market and the device’s impact on PCs, e-readers and game consoles. The news reminds us of Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty’s remark that the iPad could have “iPod-like market share.”
“Despite the addition to the market of new tablet computers like the Samsung Galaxy and the Motorola Xoom, in the United States, Apple’s iPad is still dominating the conversation — and the market,” research firm Nielsen announced Thursday. The Android-based tablets have single-digit market share.
If anyone still questions tablets are eating the breakfast, lunch and dinner of traditional PCs, you need only look at Nielsen’s numbers on how the iPad and like are eroding usage. The survey found 35 percent of desktop users and 32 percent of laptop owners who have tablets use their computers less often or not at all. Additionally, 27 percent of e-reader owners and portable media players say the don’t use the devices as much as before tablets. As for game fans, 25 percent of those who also own tablets say their game consoles are gathering dust.
Is there any remaining reason not to believe tablets have supplanted all devices as the primary consumer of digital entertainment?
