Market survey finds consumers prefer mobile device instead of PC

IBM's consumer market analysis survey reveals that more than 50 percent of consumers would like to choose a mobile device for net surfing rather than PC. The survey named "Go Mobile, Grow" conducted by IBM's Institute for Business Value concludes on how consumers will be open to full adoption of the mobile device as the hub for Internet activity.

IBM has surveyed 600 consumers in the United States, China and the United Kingdom on their choice of device for net surfing. The survey points out; mobile surfing would be considered more for communication, travel and navigation applications, and news and information services. The number of mobile-phone users expected to rise from the present 50 % to 80 % by 2013, which accounts to 5.8 billion people. The penetration of broadband and wireless network coupled with availability of cheap but feature rich IP enabled mobile gadgets will enable this trend further.

Dr. Sungyoul Lee, Global Consulting Leader, Electronics Industry, IBM said, "With 70 percent of consumers worldwide who believe that the mobile Internet has the potential to add significant to moderate value to their day-to-day lives, the time is now for companies to develop intuitive applications and services that allow people of all ages to effortlessly access and use the Internet while on the go -- anytime, and anywhere."

Other key findings of this market research survey:
By 2011, 39 percent of respondents said they expect to increase Internet use on their mobile device by at least 40 percent.
The Chinese consumers polled lead the world as the fastest adopting society of the mobile web. Same thing might be true for India!
71 percent of respondents acknowledged that they expect to increase their usage of communication services such as obtaining maps and directions, instant messaging, social networking, emailing and reading the news from their mobile device.
Growth markets like China and India are leading this adoption at a rapid pace and are proving to be the most open towards mobile Internet than the mature markets.
The PC is still preferred for services such as banking, stock trading, shopping and general search.

Consumers are most loyal to their preferred brands for communication services such as email and instant messaging, but the survey found a lack of loyalty for entertainment services. That's the reason for Nokia and Samsung to sell more phone than others.

Suggestion for device vendors

In terms of device features, the survey found consumers prefer a large screen, high resolution, internal memory, and quick speed data transfer as the most important and desired features in their mobile device.

Improve devices in terms of processing power, memory, resolution, screen size and intuitive user interfaces. Specifically device makers need to think about how to integrate technologies such as nano projectors and projected virtual keyboards.
Move towards a high adoption of open standards and open source to further grow and nurture the ecosystem.
IBM's own business think-tank predicts the Mobile Web market for consumer services such as entertainment and email is expected to reach $80 billion by 2011, more than 36 percent annual growth.