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TechWatch 1994-2001
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TechWatch Table of Contents

Part 1 Internet Use

Part 2 Rating New Technologies

Abstract: Executive Summary

"Tech Watch" combines a number of previous Zogby International surveys with an analysis of how the public has come to realize the impact of technology on their lives. We also took the liberty to determine whether Americans will continue to look as favorably on technology in the future.

Part One deals exclusively with tracking the use of personal computers. Part Two deals with how well the sub-groups accept new gadgets and technology. Cyberspace and jet travel have combined to make office technology increasingly more portable, thanks to cellular phones and handheld Internet and e-mail devices. While we know teens will quickly jump on the technology bandwagon, we also believe senior citizens will gradually become more comfortable with it too.

As expected, the number of individuals reporting that they own a personal computer has increased considerably since our initial survey was completed in 1994. In 1994, 37% of respondents said they owned a PC. That number grew 7% to 46% in the next survey, which was conducted 32 months later, in August 1997. It represented an annual growth rate of 2.6%.

The latest survey, completed in March 2001, revealed that 72% of respondents own a PC. This is a 26% increase over the 43-month period, and an average annual growth rate of 12%. Although the number of people who own PCs will continue to grow, it is likely that the period between August 1997 and March 2001 showed the greatest spurt thus far in PC ownership. The latest survey reveals that ownership of PCs is lowest in the 65+ age group. Future retirees will be individuals who have worked with computers and see them as a necessity. In short, PC ownership will continue to grow until nearly every household has a personal computer. As with surveys on television and VCR ownership, survey questions in the future may ask, "How many PCs do you own?"

In the initial survey in 1994, respondents generally looked favorably on new technology. But in 1997, favorable ratings of all new technologies declined. The 2001 survey shows a rebound in acceptance and favorable ratings in most of the categories.

The greatest increase in favorable ratings are in electronic newspapers (up 10% to 49%) and telecommuting (up 10%). Increases were also reported in customizing electronic newspapers and magazines (up 9%), caller ID (up 7%), HDTV (up 5%), and virtual reality (up 4%). The favorable response to 500-channel cable TV was down 6%.

In general, Hispanics and 18-29-year olds show the greatest acceptance for new technology.

TechWatch 1994-2001

PART ONE: Internet Use

• Own Personal Computer
  
• Internet Access
  
• Where Do You Have Internet Access
  
• Main Reason For No Internet Access
  
• Internet Access Next Year
  
• Internet Uses
  
• Hours Per Week On Internet
  
• How Many TV Channels

PART TWO: New Technologies

• Rating New Technologies
• Comparison of Statements

Choice of packages:

Package 1: Complete 1994-2001 "TechWatch" Written Report
TechWatch consists of two in-depth parts: Internet use & New technologies. This 15 page report summarizes and points out key findings and unique trends. The report provides a comprehensive overview and detailed narrative analysis explaining the internet and technological boom.
$29.95

Package 2: Complete 1994-2001 "TechWatch" cross tabulation report
Over 500 customized cross tabulations from the latest tech poll conducted in March for the following 13 subgroups: Region, Political Party, Own of PC, Internet Access, Race Religion, Born Again, Age Group A & B, Income, Gender, Education, and Women who work outside the home.TechWatch cross tabulations will provide an easy to read and concise indicators. Identifying current and future internet and technological trends from data provided through each subgroup.
$29.95

Package 3: Complete 1994-2001 "TechWatch" report & cross tabulations
This package provides both the written analysis that will provide a thorough analysis of trends and issues with the easy to read and concise guide to critical indicators outlined in the cross tabulations.
$39.95

Package 4: Complete 1994-2001 "TechWatch" report & all cross tabulations
This package provides both the written analysis for a thorough analysis of trends and issues with the easy to read and concise guide to critical indicators outlined in the over 1,300 customized cross tabulations from the mentioned above subgroups.
$99.95

For more information on how to obtain the
"TechWatch 1994-2001" product of your choice,
Paul Way @ 315-624-0200 ext 255 or paul@zogby.com