More people under the age of 45 would buy Apple’s iPad because it looks good, rather than for its technical capabilities according to research commissioned by consumer site, Broadband Expert.

The broadband comparison site asked 1,000 people in the UK what would most tempt them into buying an iPad. 34 per cent of respondents under the age of 45 said they would like one either because the iPad itself looks good or that they themselves wanted to look good in front of friends. This compared to 26 per cent within the same age group who said they would buy one for its apps, features or capabilities.

Consumers over the age of 45 seemed to have their priorities straighter: 31 per cent would be tempted to buy an iPad for the apps, features or capabilities; compared to only 9 per cent who owned up to more superficial reasons. Almost 24 per cent of 18-24 year olds said they would “never buy an iPad” – a surprisingly high percentage of the iPad’s perceived target market in terms of age.

“We wanted to conduct a survey to find out a bit about the public’s early perception of the iPad,” says Broadband Expert commercial director, Rob Webber. “Our research shows that more people see the iPad as a stylish accessory or status symbol, rather than a functional piece of kit. It begs the question: do UK consumers really know what an iPad can do?”