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THIS WEEK: WIRELESS: THE NETWORK IS NOT ENOUGH
By Matthew Sweer (April 14, 2004)
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The networking urge is high among CNET users: 27 percent of you say you
want to set up a wireless net at home. But Wi-Fi in the home seems to be
driving other purchases as well: half of you who want to set up a home
network also want to buy a new notebook; that compares to only 26 percent
of users who aren't looking to buy Wi-Fi. That correlation only makes
sense: notebook PCs (many of which now come with built-in Wi-Fi
transceivers) are a natural complement to wireless networks. How else to
realize Wi-Fi's computing-on-the-couch fantasy?
But what's interesting is that people who are setting up wireless nets at
home aren't all that different from non-Wi-Fi buyers when it comes to their
notebook needs. And Wi-Fi buyers aren't any more interested in the latest
laptop technology than their non-networked counterparts. The only
difference between the two groups is that the Wi-Fi-ers want to do their
e-mail, Web browsing, and work from any room in the house. It's just one
more indication that Wi-Fi is moving out of the realm of first adopters and
into the mainstream.
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Each month, we take the pulse of our most tech-passionate readers, then we create Personal Tech Radar (PTR), a 360-degree snapshot that provides up-to-the minute insight into real-life product interests and buying motivations. Track the trends. Learn about hot must-haves. Tell us what's on your radar. And be sure to check back regularly for new PTR info.
November 17, 2003 -- Age is Key Factor in Personal Technology Product Buying Preferences, Finds CNET Survey
October 31, 2003 -- Gender Differences Influence Consumer Electronics Purchasing, Finds CNET Study
October 1, 2003 -- CNET Announces "Personal Tech Radar," Capturing Insights and Trends on Digital Electronics Buying Preferences
December 18, 2003 -- Gifts for all--or just for kids? (Chicago Tribune) (free registration required)
November 24, 2003 -- Got gadgets? Gift ideas for the already well-equipped (SFGate.com)
October 31, 2003 -- Mars-Venus split in product survey (SFGate.com)
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Throw your personal preferences into the Personal Tech Radar mix. Sign up to join our survey and tell us what's on your mind.

June 30, 2004 Speaker systems: a package deal
June 23, 2004 Cameras: the digital divide
June 9, 2004 Camera buyers: what gender gap?
June 2, 2004 Notebooks: what is hip?
May 26, 2004 Cameras: changing your minds
May 19, 2004 PDAs: one is not enough
May 12, 2004 Camcorders: older and wiser
May 5, 2004 Notebooks: the laptop generation
April 28, 2004 Digital cameras: women outgeek men
April 21, 2004 Home theater: big picture, then big sound
April 14, 2004 Wireless: the network isn't enough
April 7, 2004 Phones: state your preferences
March 31, 2004 Television: are men really TV hogs?
March 24, 2004 MP3 players: loud, rugged, and small rules
March 17, 2004 DVD burners: the market is maturing
March 10, 2004 Camcorders: don't leave home without one
March 3, 2004 Printers: it's all about the photographs
February 26, 2004 Phones and cameras: after the buy, accessorize
February 18, 2004 Upgrading your display: go flat or go big?
February 11, 2004 Valentine's Day: tech love
February 4, 2004 Smart phones: geography matters
January 28, 2004 Televisions: technojunkies take two (or more)
January 21, 2004 Cell phones: younger users demand more
January 14, 2004 Desktops: parents take two
January 7, 2004 Handhelds: not just for work anymore?
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