Tablets taking online shopping to new levels

Tablet computers are having an impact on many internet habits, but perhaps one of the most notable is the way people shop. As the tablet continues to gain popularity, it is becoming increasingly clear that their tech-savvy owners have a preference for getting their shopping done online.

Several factors could contribute to the tablet owner's shopping habits. For one thing, tablet owners tend to spend more time online than others. This indicates that tablet owners may be more comfortable making online purchases simply because the internet is a bigger part of their daily lives.

Tablet owners also tend to come from high-income families. According to a report from technology news provider Mashable, 62 percent of tablet owners are employed full time, and 50 percent make $100,000 per year or more.

The same report shows that 56 percent of tablet owners have downloaded shopping-related applications, and 60 percent have already made purchases through their mobile devices.

The 2011 holiday season is likely to be the first real test for the tablet computer as an online shopping tool. According to market analysis firm comScore, ecommerce spending is expected to be 15 percent higher in 2011 than in 2010. Much of this growth will be driven by tablets and other mobile devices.