Tablets expected to be hot-ticket items this holiday season

For the past few years, electronics have consistently been among the highest-selling holiday gifts. And with the winter holidays right around the corner, electronics are once again poised to fly off the shelves.

The Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) 18th Annual CE Holiday Purchase Patterns Study estimates that consumers will spend an average of $246 on electronics gifts this year -- nearly one-third of all spending this holiday season.

Undoubtedly, tablet computers will be among the most popular gifts. With more options available now than last year, there's a great deal of buzz surrounding the technology. Apple's iPad® is expected to retain its spot atop the market, but there is a lot of banter around the multitude of Android-based tablets, which could make things interesting this year.

Outside of tablets, traditional PCs are expected to be hot-ticket items. As in years past, the holidays will prove to be a good excuse to upgrade that old laptop or desktop, whether it's for one's self, a loved one or the family.

According to the CEA, electronics will trail only clothes in terms of sales during the 2011 holiday season. With more than 72 million wireless-enabled devices expected to ship this season, electronics are looking at some happy holidays.