News Slideshow: iPad, Tablets: Hot Trend is Still No Match For Laptops

Some analysts have recently predicted that sales of Apple's iPad and assorted other tablets -- such as the Amazon Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1, and the Acer Iconia Tab -- will eventually outpace that of laptops. This has led some analysts to ponder whether the tablet form factor could, eventually, completely replace the laptop for work. However, a study from research firm ABI Research tells a much different story. Although iPads and other tablets remain very popular in today's mobile marketplace, they're not yet ready to assume the role of a laptop replacement. In fact, use of laptops around the world is on the rise, according to ABI. The report is the result of the company's ongoing Technology Barometer surveys, which polls 8,000 consumers in seven countries every six months. Results of the most recent survey were released May 1, 2012.