Living with - or without - technology (page 2 of 2)

At the one end of the scale, 49 percent of the UAE respondents love new technology and couldn't live without it, a feeling shared by 33 per cent of the Chinese and 32 percent of Saudis. Most respondents globally (49 percent), however, say they are fascinated by technology but also cautious of it. And 29 percent of those surveyed - led by 44 percent of Thais and Slovaks - admit that it's too hard to keep up with all the latest technologies.



Synovate also uncovered some interesting demographic trends. More men than women often explain technology to their partner, friends and family (50 versus 30 percent) and spend a lot of time learning about new technological developments (41 versus 27 percent). And after the age of 45, the majority of respondents shift from being the ones explaining new technology to needing their partner, friends or family to show them how to use the latest gadgets.

But this perplexity does not dampen their enthusiasm: 58 percent of those above the age of 65 say that even if they don't always understand the latest technology, it looks cool!

Sony is cited by most respondents as the brand that leaps to mind when one thinks of cutting-edge technology, leading other manufacturers by a wide margin across all age ranges. An exception is the UAE where Nokia was mentioned the most. Samsung and LG are the second most recognised brands amongst respondents under age 35, while Philips is more frequently associated with high technology by those above 35.

Curiosities

• After mobile phones, men cite laptops as their most indispensable gadget; however, women consider a plasma/LCD TV the second most essential piece of technology.
• Contrary to popular stereotypes, MP3 players are not seen as much more necessary amongst the under-25s than older population segments (4 percent as opposed to 2 percent)
• Saudi consumers are the most eager early adopters in this survey, with 51 percent purchasing new technological products as soon as they are released.
• Saudi men claim they find it important to always have the latest technological gadgets with a highest score of 93 percent. They also spend the most time researching and reading up on what new technology products are coming out (73 percent).