Tablet ownership in New Zealand is expected to triple within six months with over 20% of Kiwis expected to be using online devices by the end of the year.

According to research from telecommunications company Ericsson, tablet sales in the country will soon be in line with the global average after initial slow purchases.

Just 7% of Kiwis currently own a tablet, with smartphone consumption also expected to increase from 30% to 50% by the close of 2012.

Weeks before Samsung’s launch of its new Galaxy Note in New Zealand and Apple’s expected biggest second half product release in history, Ericsson says the expected usage of tablets are expected to increase up to 95% within the next few years.

"We haven't even reached the half point yet," says Kursten Leins, Ericsson’s strategic marketing general manager.

Over 500 Kiwis completed the online survey by Ericsson’s research division ConsumerLab as the country continues to catch up global trends for tablets.

What do you think? Will you be jumping on the tablet band wagon? Tell us your thoughts below.