Tablet computers are expected to outsell laptops this year, according to the market research firm, IDC.
By 2015, tablets will have more market share than the entire traditional personal computer market.
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Analysts say this marks a significant change in consumers' attitudes about devices and applications.
PC's are expected to remain important to business users, but regular consumers are turning to tablets to check email and browse the web.
The slowdown in PC sales is partially due to consumers who are delaying purchases while trying out tablets.
BY THE NUMBERS
By 2015, tablets will outship not just laptops, but all PCs, according to IDC.
Driven by growth in inexpensive devices running Google's Android platform, worldwide tablet shipments will expand 58.7 percent this year, while average selling prices for the devices will fall 10.8 percent to $381, IDC said.
Since Apple launched the iPad in 2010, PC industry heavyweights like Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Intel have struggled to adapt their products to consumers' growing preferences for mobile devices.
PC shipments are expected to fall an additional 1.2 percent next year, according to IDC.