The rise of mobile computing devices has been well-trodden
ground in the media for the last few years, but researchers are crunching new
data to quantify the growth and adoption of cell phones,
computers and other devices.
Cell phones lead the pack. Pew Internet and American Life
Project found that some 85 percent of U.S. citizens now own a cell phone. Almost all of Americans aged 18-29 (96
percent) own a handset and use it to make voice calls, send text
messages, surf the Web and use Internet applications.
Pew, which surveyed 3,001 American adults between Aug. 9 and
Sept. 13, found that computers were the No. 2 gadget, with 76 percent of
Americans owning a desktop or laptop. While that number would no doubt seem low to those working
in the computing industry, Pew research specialist Aaron Smith said laptop
ownership alone has grown from 30 percent in 2006 to 52 percent in 2010, as ownership of
desktop machines declines.
So the proliferation of laptops triggered a decline in
desktops, but what machines will precipitate a drop in laptops? Tablet
computers, of course.
It’s early days yet for tablets such as Apple’s iPad and the
emerging Samsung Galaxy Tab and tablet devices based on Google’s Android
operating system from Archos, LG and Dell, among others.
As these devices gain traction among consumers — ABI
Research anticipates 11 million tablets shipped by year’s end — businesses will have to adapt and begin
ordering tablets for their employees. At the least, IT managers may be tasked with providing
enterprise-grade security for employees who buy their own tablet and want to
use it for work.
For more, read the eWeek article Mobile Phone is No. 1 U.S. Gadget, Pew Says.