New research claims women buy more tech than men

The idea that the fairer sex is clueless about tech just became a little less debatable. New research suggests women are more likely than men to run out and buy the latest new gizmo.

Exploring the hot-button issue for the Home Shopping Network, the research firm discovered that women’s purchasing intentions in four major tech categories (flat-screen LCD TV, tablet, PC and smartphone) last holiday season eked out the numbers put up by men. The largest margin came in the laptop category, with 20 percent of women claiming they were in the market for a new portable PC against 14 percent of men.

And they’re not just buying the gadgets for boyfriends or brothers, said Parks CEO Tricia Parks.

“Women are frequently the product buyers – and once she owns a CE product, she becomes a heavy user, most particularly for devices that allow sharing and uploading content and downloading TV programs,” said Parks. “CE manufacturers are picking up on this changed buyer, offering their products, particularly their mobile ones, in more colors and styles with more personalized accessories.”

More surprisingly, Parks claimed men and women spend an equal amount of time on home gaming consoles the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. On Nintendo’s market-leading Wii, women are the majority. The ability of all three devices to stream television content via a Netflix app is likely a major factor in their usage by women. Women are nearly 75 percent more likely to view online television than guys, said Parks. (via Parks Associates)

Do you have a lady in your life that puts your tech buying to shame? Let us know in the comment section.