Why are most tablets still used at home despite mobility claims?

Question

Accepted Answer

Tablets Remain Primarily Home-Based Due to Cost and Usage Patterns

Despite claims of enhanced mobility, tablets have largely remained tethered to home environments, with the majority connecting via Wi-Fi rather than cellular networks. This pattern is influenced by a combination of factors, including the higher cost of cellular-enabled devices and data plans, as well as typical user behaviour that favours home-based entertainment consumption.
High Acquisition and Data Costs Deter Mobile Use

The primary barrier to widespread mobile tablet usage appears to be cost. Cellular-enabled tablets incur a premium in their initial purchase price compared to their Wi-Fi-only counterparts. Furthermore, the ongoing expense of data plans presents an additional financial hurdle for consumers. Mobile operators have been criticised for not offering sufficiently creative or affordable data packages, often proposing plans that are comparable in cost to those for smartphones, which limits the appeal of adding a cellular connection to a tablet.
User Behaviour Favours Home-Based Entertainment

Analysis of tablet usage reveals a strong correlation with home-based activities. A Google poll in 2012 indicated that only 21 per cent of users took their tablets outside the home. Surveys conducted in September 2013 by Gartner Inc. found that tablet usage peaks between 7 pm and 10 pm, a timeframe often associated with leisure activities at home, such as watching television. Lawrence Lundy, an analyst at Frost & Sullivan, noted that tablets are not typically carried around as mobile accessories, reinforcing their role as stationary devices.
Video Consumption Drives Home Usage

The prevalent use of tablets for video consumption is a significant factor in their home-bound status. Since most video streaming occurs within the home, and Wi-Fi connections are readily available and cost-free for this purpose, there is less incentive to opt for a more expensive cellular connection. This pattern suggests that tablets are primarily viewed as entertainment devices, potentially leading to substantial bandwidth usage if all were connected via mobile networks, as highlighted by Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Kantar Worldpanel.
Manufacturers Continue to Promote Mobility Despite Usage Trends

Despite the data indicating limited off-site usage, manufacturers at events like the Mobile World Congress continue to unveil new tablet models, often emphasising their portability and suitability for use in various environments, from beaches to bathtubs. While manufacturers like Sony showcase features for outdoor use, analyst Julian Jest noted that the reality often differs from promotional videos, with most iPads, for example, being used at home for streaming media. The development of mini tablets and the rollout of 4G networks are seen as potential catalysts for greater mobile adoption, though adapted network costs are cautioned as necessary.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Why are most tablets still used at home despite mobility claims?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends