If you're thinking that all the commentary you have read about the rise of the tablet computing era is pure hype, then think again. There's much to be learned by following the development of this evolving trend.
eMarketer reports that research on tablet usage has found that they're primarily being used for entertainment, and the availability of media content on the devices is still driving purchase intent.
A March 2011 market study by mobile ad network AdMob amplifies those findings further, with survey results showing that for many owners tablets are fast becoming a primary source of digital entertainment.
Nearly seven in 10 tablet owners reported spending at least 1 hour per day using the device, including 38 percent who spent over 2 hours on the device. And, while just 28 percent consider it their primary computer, 77 percent are spending less time on desktop or notebook PCs -- since they acquired a tablet.
More than two in five respondents now spend more time each day with their tablet than with a traditional computer or with a smartphone -- and a third use tablets more than they watch TV.
The number one tablet application, according to the survey, was playing games. Since the games being used on tablets are likely single-user games, it would appear that it's the personalized experience that makes the tablet more engaging than using a gaming console and a TV to play these games.
Searching for information, emailing and reading the news rounded out the top four activities -- suggesting that web surfing and keeping up with communications are important tablet activities that go beyond pure entertainment, without reaching very far into the realm of productivity.