Nielsen publishes new stats on US tablet usage

Finds they're cannibalising desktop, laptop and netbook computers most.

Nielsen has published the results of its latest survey of US tablet users, which aims to uncover how they're using their devices, and which other gadgets are being used less as a result.

Nielsen says that 'around half' of tablet users say they are the only person in their household using their tablet, but 43% say they share their tablet with others. We feel sorry for the 8% of people who own a tablet that's used by other household members but not themselves, mind.

32% of people with tablets say they're using their desktop computer less since getting a slate, while 3% say they're not using it at all. For laptops, those figures are 30% and 2%, and for netbooks they're 23% and 5%. Meanwhile, 24% of respondents are using their e-reader less since getting a tablet, and 22% are using their portable gaming console less.

When asked why they are using their tablet for tasks formerly handled on a PC or laptop, 31% said it's because a tablet is easier to carry around, 21% said they prefer the ease of interface, and 15% cited the fast startup.