Consumers are moving more of their digital lives to tablet computers

As consumers consider purchasing the latest version of Apple Inc.’s iPad unveiled today, a recent survey suggests that tablet computers are doing a good job of winning over the hearts of their owners, further evidence that the devices might play a growing role in e-commerce.

The findings, from market research firm NPD Group, are based on a December survey of 2,400 U.S. consumers. The survey asked participants about their experiences with tablet computers, personal computers and smartphones.  All the survey respondents have PCs, but NPD did not provide a breakdown of how many respondents own tablets and how many own smartphones. 

The survey found that tablet owners are starting to move more of their digital tasks away from personal computers. 30% of tablet owners say they are e-mailing and web browsing less from PCs, while 28% say the same about social networking  activities.

Tablet owners appear happy with the transition from PCs, according to the survey results. 68% say they are very satisfied with accessing the Internet from tablet computers, with 67% very satisfied with their e-mail use from tablets, and 60% with social networking tasks.

The survey findings, however, suggest that smartphone owners are less satisfied than tablet owners about digital activities from mobile devices. 59% of smartphone owners  say they are very satisfied with using e-mail from the devices. 49% say the same about social networking and 42% about web browsing.