(via wired.com)

The once upon a time sought after desktop PCs are being left in the dust for the slew of tablet PCs emerging, including those rivaling the infamous Apple iPad.

A recent report published by the Forrester research firm revealed that 27 million U.S. online consumers (14%) anticipate purchasing a tablet in the next 12 months. Although the iPad has sold close to 3.3 million units to date, potential customers are not necessarily chasing the iPad. The study found that devices from manufacturers such as Dell, HP and Toshiba have caught the attention of consumer-conscious, tech-savvy shoppers; only 3.8% of potential buyers have their sights set on the iPad.

Forrester also reported that the anticipating 14% are not all Apple customers. Sarah Rotman Epps, a Forrester consumer product analyst said, “There’s interest in the category that goes beyond the iPad.” Most notably, the firm’s report dispelled the myth about Apple worshippers (all things “Apple”). More iPad customers own HP computers verses Macs; 39% of those who are setting out to purchase an iPad in the next 12 months own an HP computer.