FRAMINGHAM, Mass., Mar 24, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

The days of the iPad's virtual monopoly on the tablet market are over as an onslaught of new innovative tablet computers begins to enter the market. The new options are generating a wave of tablet demand among businesses and consumers but also creating anxiety over the risk of buying the wrong tablet for their needs. Staples, the tablet destination with a broad selection of the best brands including the Motorola XOOM with WiFi, BlackBerry(R) PlayBook(TM) and others, is making it easy for customers. Staples has thousands of certified EasyTech associates in more than 1,600 U.S. stores and online tools such as Staples.com/tablets and StaplesAdvantage.com/tablets to help research, compare and choose the right tablet to fit their personal and business needs.

The Staples.com/tablets site will showcase side-by-side feature and price comparisons, photos, educational videos and business applications. Additional site features include:

• Videos such as "Why Buy A Tablet?" and "Tablet Specs to Consider"
• Business tools and benefits of new tablets on the market
• Recommendations on tablet protection and storage accessories
• Key features of each tablet and a glossary of terms

Tablets will be available in all Staples retail locations, at Staples.com or through Staples Advantage this Spring starting with Motorola XOOM, BlackBerry PlayBook and Dell Streak. As a technology authority, Staples will add the next wave of new tablets from Acer, Dell, HP, Toshiba and other leading manufacturers over the next few months.

Staples Advantage specifically tailored StaplesAdvantage.com/tablets to focus on the mobile employee and business applications. It features tablet accessories such as cases, charging stations, and Bluetooth(R) keyboards, that support tablet use in the field or office. This combination of tablets and accessories give customers business solutions to increase productivity and save time.

"Staples is already a leader in tech products and services," said Peter Scala, Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager Office Technology, Staples. "Tablets are the hottest new technology and Staples continues to be at the forefront with a wide assortment of tablets and EasyTech and Staples Advantage associates to help consumers and businesses get the most from their tablet purchase."

Scala added, "The majority of us turn to the internet to learn and understand new technologies. The Staples tablet microsites provide information to help customers make informed decisions and, once they decide on the product best for them, the ability to purchase with fast and free delivery."

Staples makes it easy for consumers and businesses to enhance, maintain, protect and repair their technology investments. EasyTech associates are able to assist customers with a wide range of technology services such as new tablet set-up, computer diagnostics, hardware and software installations, data transfer, security, repair and troubleshooting.

About Staples

Staples, the world's largest office products company, is committed to making it easy for customers to buy a wide range of office products and services. Our broad selection of office supplies, electronics, technology and office furniture as well as business services, including computer repair and copying and printing, helps our customers run their offices efficiently. With 2010 sales of $25 billion and 90,000 associates worldwide, Staples operates in 26 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australia serving businesses of all sizes and consumers. Staples invented the office superstore concept in 1986 and today ranks second worldwide in e-commerce sales. The company is headquartered outside Boston. More information about Staples (Nasdaq: SPLS) is available at www.staples.com/media.

Follow Staples on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/staplestweets and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/staples.

SOURCE: Staples

Staples
Carrie McElwee, 508-253-1405
Carrie.McElwee@Staples.com
or
Nina Akerley, 508-253-1078
Nina.Akerley@Staples.com
or
Mark Cautela, 508-253-3832
Mark.Cautela@Staples.com