Survey: Laptops Rapidly Being Usurped by Tablet Computers

Tablet devices may come to usurp laptops as the preeminent business technology, according to a new report by IDG Connect. The report shows some 12 percent of surveyed professionals have "ditched" their laptop computers in favor of Apple iPads.

Companies also appear to be investing in the technology, as nearly one-quarter of professionals in North America claim to own an iPad that was supplied by their place of employment. Interestingly, that figure rises in other regions of the world, such as Africa (47 percent) and Europe (40 percent).

More than half of respondents claim they always use their tablet device at work, while slightly more - 54 percent - use it at home. With other breakthroughs in cloud computing, these figures can be expected to rise.

The study also assessed how professionals are using tablets, with 97 percent of iPad users reporting that they use their device for reading. Two-thirds agree the iPad has partially or completely replaced their laptop.

"This research shows the tablet is fast becoming a true work device, provided by employers and used in the office for business communication," said Kathryn Cave, editor at IDG Connect International. "It also highlights some startling regional variations, emphasizing the need for marketers to adapt content to local markets as well as new mediums."