iPad consuming 25% of PC laptop sales, 44% view iPad as a notebook replacement

Analysts at Morgan Stanley have concluded that the iPad is now consuming 25% of PC laptop sales, and that sales of PC laptops have been steadily declining since the release of the iPad. The iPad is also slightly eating into Apple’s own laptop and iPod touch marketshare, as buyers are satisfied enough with the iPad to not see the need to purchase additional hardware.

Here are some of the more interesting iPad sales statistics from Morgan Stanley:

• iPad has cannibalized 25% of PC notebook sales since April 2010, causing a net loss in August notebook sales YoY
• 44% of iPad buyers view the device as a notebook/laptop replacement
• 41% of iPad buyers would not buy an iPod touch as a result of their iPad purchase
• 27% say they would not buy a desktop PC as a result of the iPad
• It is now expected that 50 million tablets (iPad included) will sell in 2011

The following chart, found by AppleInsider, offers pretty compelling evidence of the iPad effect on PC laptop sales:

This is fresh off the news that Best Buy has found the iPad to reduce some PC notebook sales by as much as 50%, an incredible feat of sales but unsurprising considering the strong demand for the iPad.

A new iPad is expected to be released soon that will feature a FaceTime compatible camera, larger memory, and other feature improvements. Rumors suggest the device may be announced at the same time iOS 4.2 for iPad becomes available in November in order to catch the holiday shopping season, while others look at a January 2011 timeframe.