The Changing Face of Computing

A recent survey conducted by a Cisco research unit found a major trend in computer preferences. The survey asked 1,800 18 to 30 year olds in 18 different countries for their computer preferences. The results are based on the question: If you had to choose just one device to own, which would it be? The choices listed were smartphone, laptop, tablet or desktop.

Results varied greatly by country but two of the most technologically advanced countries, South Korea and the USA, both showed a strong preference for smartphones over other devices.

Here are the numbers: The preference for a smartphone over all other computing devices was strongest in South Korea, where 54 percent of respondents preferred the smartphone. By comparison, 29 percent of South Korean young adults preferred a desktop system,11 percent a tablet and just 4 percent a laptop.

The smartphone was preferred by 41 percent of U.S. respondents, compared to 39 percent who liked laptops best, 9 percent who preferred desktops and 5 percent listed a tablet.

I have observed this trend in person as many of the people I know in that age range really do use their phones as their primary computer!