Consumers looking at tablets and bargains this holiday season

by Steve Ragan - Nov 16 2011, 07:00

The holiday shopping season is already underway for some consumers, and new data from PriceGrabber.com says that they are looking for bargains, such as price cuts and free shipping, while being picky when it comes to gift selection. For example, tablets are the favorite this year over laptops, and it’s no secret what tablet is topping everyone’s wish list.

According to PriceGrabber.com, who polled 3,070 U.S. consumers shopping online, 45-percent of them intend to spend less this holiday season, compared to what they spent last year. Nearly the same number said they would spend the same, but only seven percent expected to spend more.

Those who are planning on spending less said they will do so because of the current economic climate. When asked to name specific reasons, 70-percent of them cited prices for food, gas and other necessities, and 43-percent said it was because they were making less this year job wise.

Most of their intended savings will come from price cuts and free shipping, as they plan to do a majority of their holiday shopping online. Those heading into brick and mortar stores, expect that economic conditions will lead retailers little choice but to offer extensive discounts and deals.

When asked what retailer tactics will entice consumers to buy a product this holiday season, 75-percent of respondents indicated price cuts and free shipping, followed by coupons and blowout shopping sales.

So when it comes to the top tech gear, what’s hot? PriceGrabber.com asked a separate set of 3,574 consumers whether they would rather receive a tablet computer or a laptop as a holiday gift this year, an overwhelming 79-percent indicated that they would rather receive a tablet.

When asked why, most stated portability and light weight, while others tapped things such as speed, ease of use, the ability to act as a portable e-reader, and multimedia features. In short, they liked the on-the-go functionality.

Can you guess what tablet the respondents said they would prefer to receive as a gift this year? Eighty-three percent said they preferred the Apple iPad or iPad 2. No other tablet was close.

Only five percent named the Amazon Kindle Fire, and four percent they wanted a Samsung Galaxy Tab. The Motorola Xoom, BlackBerry PlayBook, Toshiba Thrive, ASUS Eee Pad and ASUS Eee Slate, ranked much lower.

The iPad was also the number-one e-reader choice, with 62-percent of those surveyed preferring it to other e-readers. Yet, 27-percent indicated a preference for the Amazon Kindle, and seven percent named the Barnes & Noble Nook.

So, will you spend more this holiday season, or less? What is the top tech item on your wish list, is it a tablet or something else? Leave a comment and let us know.

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