iPad fans not lured by apps

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Despite Apple's attempts to push the iPad as a revolutionary product, a new study has shown its appeal lies less in its much-vaunted apps and more in old-fashioned web browsing.

So claims research by analytics firm comScore whose study canvassed more than 2,000 people about their level of the interest in the iPad and other tablets. Some 15 per cent of those surveyed said they would “seriously consider” buying an iPad in the next three months.

The survey then asked respondents to rate their likeliness to use various features on the iPad, ranking their results on a seven-point scale.

And it was the prospect of web browsing and checking email that sparked the most enthusiasm – appealing to 50 and 48 per cent respectively, while 37 per cent said they would read books on their iPad, 36 per cent would watch videos and movies and 34 per cent read newspapers and magazines.

Just one in four of those surveyed said they would download apps to the iPad from iTunes, and more revealingly 36 per cent expressly said they wouldn't.

The survey – which took in more than 2,000 opinions in total – wasn't limited to those who had actually pre-ordered the iPad, however, suggesting that many respondents may have replied without having a full understanding or appreciation of the features they were rating.

In addition, given that the survey was taken online, it's hardly surprising that basic internet use would rank highly across the board.

ComScore did find that previous experience with iTunes or ownership of an Apple product made a big difference to whether people would be prepared to pay for apps or content should they invest in an iPad. In fact, people were twice as likely to pay for newspaper and magazine subscriptions specially formatted for ebook readers if they already owned an iPhone or iPod.

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