Tablet users biggest frustration with tablet devices lies in text input, according to a new report. Commissioned by open-source input technology company KeyPoint Technologies, the study says that tablets are seen as passive devices.
The report, called How Tablets Can Steal A March On Laptops, found that 44 per cent of users cited typing as the biggest problem with tablets, followed by battery life with 36 per cent and connectivity concerns at 23 per cent.
Weak text input discourages people from engaging in more complex, creative activities beyond simple emailing, and online social media interaction. This limits the tablets potential, particularly in the corporate world, says the company. 
“Its clear that text input will be the next battlefield in tablet computing, as manufacturers try to steal a march on each other and improve the utility of their tablets,” says Sunil Motaparti, CTO of KeyPoint Technologies. “The poor typing experience leaves people viewing the devices as a compromised hybrid, mid-way between a smartphone and a laptop. Only with improved – faster and more accurate – text input technologies, can the tablet become a realistic replacement for a laptop and a real aid to productivity.”
According to the report, only 9 per cent of tablet users wanted speech recognition, with 31 per cent preferring to use in built keypads. However, 81 per cent said autocorrect functionality needed improvement.
The research was carried out by questioning 1,011 US tablet owners. It was conducted by research company Opinion Matters in June this year.
