While industry insiders continue to debate whether iPads are displacing laptops as the portable computer of choice, the UK's government wonks have spoken.

The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has added tablet computers to the official basket of goods and services that the ONS tracks in order to calculate inflation.

Tablets and teenage fiction

In an announcement today, the ONS said tablet computers represent 'a significant and growing market', adding:

"As in most years, developments in technology influence the basket update and in 2012 tablet computers – such as the iPad and Samsung Galaxy Tab – are being included for the first time.

"This mirrors the evolution of computer equipment through desktop personal computers, laptops and now tablets, and they are being introduced to capture price changes in this rapidly expanding market."

The changes are part of the annual review of the CPI/RPI inflation basket, which is regularly updated to ensure it reflects current consumer spending. The resultant inflation figures in turn influence everything from pay deals and pensions to the Bank of England's deliberations about interest rates.

Alongside tablet computers, other additions to the inflation basket include teenage fiction, cans of Guinness, pineapples, and takeaway chicken and chips.

All the ingredients you need for a pretty good night in around these parts.