Gadgets Have Consumers Crying for Help

Buyers frustrated by problems with cell phones, internet access and computers
By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 17, 2008 1:46 AM CST
Gadgets Have Consumers Crying for Help
A new survey says consumers find new technology too complex and prone to failure.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)

Digital technology plays a key role in the lives of most Americans, but it's often too complex, frustrating, and prone to failure, a study by the Pew Research Center finds. Nearly half of consumers said they regularly need help setting up a device, learning how to use it, or solving problems, reports the San Francisco Chronicle. Among researchers' findings:

 

  • 44% of consumers reported that their home Internet access failed at least once.
  • 39% of respondents said their computer didn't work properly.
  • 29% of cell phone users said that their phones didn't operate properly.
  • 26% of those with PDAs, such as BlackBerrys, reported a failure.
(More internet stories.)

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