Tablet demand poised for growth

A new report from the global market analytics firm Compass Intelligence reveals several important trends that will impact the tablet computing landscape in the next year. Most notably, 23 percent of the more than 1,100 survey respondents plan to purchase one or more tablets in the next 12 months.

According to the survey, the majority of these purchases will take place within the next two to nine months. Increasingly competitive pricing, and the approaching holiday season, are expected to keep demand strong through the end of 2011.

The majority of respondents viewed the tablet as primarily an entertainment or recreational gadget for personal use, but the devices still appear to be gaining traction in the business community.

Small businesses were most interested in the technology, with 30 percent of respondents in that segment planning to make tablet purchases in the next 12 months. Companies specializing in professional services, finance, insurance and construction may be particularly poised for adoption.

Tablet industry experts are counting on this strong demand to spur impressive third and fourth quarter sales figures. International Data Corporation recently decided to boost its 2011 global tablet shipment forecast to 53.5 million units.