Tablets thrive amid slumping electronics sales

Overall consumer electronics sales declined once again this holiday season, but according to CBS News, mobile devices like tablet computers and smartphones managed a strong showing amid the slide.

Citing figures from market research firm NDP Group, the news provider states that 2011 consumer electronics sales dipped by 5.9 percent compared to 2010, as people were less inclined to buy TVs, MP3 players, GPS devices and other gadgets. Tablets and smartphones, on the other hand, were among the hottest items on the market, and saw their sales figures increase during the year.

CBS News points out that the mobile devices have even stolen sales away from other gadgets. MP3 and GPS devices are especially vulnerable to this, as smartphones and tablets typically feature many of the same capabilities, and then some.

Gaming console and TV sales are also giving way to tablets and smartphones, which are able to supplant many of the functions of these systems and add a new degree of portability.

Tablets in particular are also affecting PC sales. Netbook sales especially have dwindled with the arrival of the tablet, which has the advantages of being lighter and boasting a longer battery life.