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THIS WEEK: NOTEBOOKS: THE LAPTOP GENERATION GAP
By Matthew Sweer (May 5, 2004)
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About 40 percent of our survey respondents under the age of 35 say that they want to purchase a new laptop. That's comparable to the number of buyers over 35 who say the same thing (33 percent). The two demographic groups are also almost identical in why they're purchasing: the number of buyers in each group who say they're replacing a desktop or existing laptop or purchasing an additional notebook for the household are about the same.
But when it comes to what they want to use those new laptops for, the two groups split dramatically. Older buyers cite traveling, using in different rooms throughout the house, and doing office/business work as the most important reasons for the purchase. After that, they don't say much.
Compare that silence with our younger respondents' answers; they cite all those same reasons and more. Younger laptop buyers say they want the latest technology (40 percent vs. 26 percent for the older folks). They also know they want to use their new portables to play games (35 percent vs. 14 percent), to download music (31 percent vs. 12 percent), and to browse the Web (60 percent vs. 42 percent). Question is, why the disparity in responses? Are the old folks doing all the same things as the young 'uns and just not telling us about it? Do they not know what they want to do? Or are they really not putting their portable PCs to full use?
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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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