Tablets Wanted by Small Businesses

Does your business plan include purchasing a tablet in 2012?

If so, it's not the only one. According to a survey from NPD Group, almost three quarters (73%) of U.S. small and medium size businesses that have less than 1000 employees plan on purchasing a tablet within the next 12 months, with the top tablet choice unsurprisingly being the iPad.

"Businesses of all sizes appear to be determined to capitalize on the tablet phenomenon," says Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD. "The iPad, just as it is in the consumer market, is synonymous for 'Tablet' in the business market, leaving Apple poised to take advantage of the increased spending intentions of these SMBs. NPD's research shows that iPad purchase preference is higher among larger firms than smaller ones, which is an important indicator that Apple is gaining traction far outside its typical consumer space."

The study also reveals that the average small business investment on tablets is projected to exceed $21,000 over the next 12 months, however this number drastically changes depending on company size. For instance, a company with less than 50 employees is projected to spend a little less than $2,000 on tablets, while a company with more than 500 employees is expected to spend more than $38,000.