Fifth Of iPad Users Own More Than One Tablet

A survey has revealed that almost a fifth of iPad owners have more than one tablet, with most respondents claiming they were forced to buy a second after partners or family members started using the first gadget.

Of the 1,667 tablet owners surveyed by research firm YouGov in November, 782 respondents claimed to own an Apple iPad. Among them, 145 – or 17 percent – have “two or more” tablet devices at home.

Most iPad owners bought a new tablet because their family members used their iPad “all the time”. According to the YouGov opinion poll (pdf), 37 percent mentioned their partner’s constant use of the gadget, while 14 percent pointed the finger at their children.

However, many got their second tablet as a gift. Only 8 percent of iPad users admitted they initially owned a Wi-Fi only version and wanted another one with the 3G capabilities.

One tablet is not enough

When asked if they would buy any more tablets, 19 percent of iPad owners replied “yes”, 65 percent said they would not, and 16 percent hesitated.

Most respondents wanted the Apple iPad as their next tablet device, with 35 percent choosing the Amazon Kindle and 12 percent the Sony e-reader. Samsung Galaxy Tabs attracted only 11 percent of the vote, while LG’s Optimus One fell to the bottom of the list.

The survey has been released at the peak end of shopping season, when the market is flooded with tablet devices.

Earlier this month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Tab Luxury Edition at the annual Millionaire Faire trade show in Amsterdam, after its standard tablet smashed the million mark. The company is now hoping to ship 1.5 million tabs before the end of 2010.