People looking to purchase a new printer and compatible ink cartridges may be more likely to opt for a model that can connect directly to the internet, as a new study has found web-enabled consumer devices are growing in popularity.

According to research from IHS, these gadgets will exceed sales of traditional PCs for the first time in 2013, selling 503.6 million units – up from 161 million last year.

This will include electronic devices such as televisions, games consoles, Blu-ray players and media tablets, which will drive much of the sales.

IHS estimated growth of these multimedia platforms will outpace all other internet-enabled gadgets over the next few years, shipping more than 300 million units by 2015, from almost nothing two years ago.

"The internet now is revolutionising the consumer electronics business by delivering a range of products that can bring web-based content to homes," said principal analyst for consumer platforms at IHS Jordan Selburn.

Recently, it was stated by Katie Waller, senior analyst at Which?, that several new printer models can offer many exciting web-based features, such as the ability to download apps for printing games or colouring activities for kids.