Computers Consumer Insights

Trend - Technology companies are transitioning from IPS and LCD displays to OLED panels to increase the products' quality. These panels deliver richer colors with wider contrast ratios while taking up less space, using less power, and weighing less, extending the value of laptops and handhelds.

Insight - The concerns gamers have with portable devices are related to battery life, quality, true portability, and power. These consumers primarily consider turning to more compact devices only when no compromises are being made in these areas, and otherwise use larger solutions. Several products have demonstrated these consumers are willing to pay a small premium over alternative devices for significant gains in quality, leading to manufacturers turning to newer, more efficient technologies.

Trend - Hardware manufacturers in the industrial and consumer spaces are incorporating solid-state coolers into computational devices. These coolers have less moving parts and less points of failure, as they do not have coolant or fans, leading to less power consumption and less maintenance.

Insight - Nearly every business and industrial building today requires computational devices such as kiosks, computers, phones, and more. Each business aims to lower costs and raise profits in any way possible, provided this does not affect the regular operation of the businesses. One such area companies aim to streamline is maintenance for computers, whether for industrial computers or for workers. These companies desire computational solutions with less required maintenance and lower costs.

Trend - Colored PC components are computer hardware parts that come in a variety of colors or feature color customization options. These components are typically used to build or upgrade desktop computers, as they allow consumers to curate exactly how they would like their PC to look.

Insight - The growing popularity of gaming and esports has contributed to the desire for colored PC components by consumers who want more variety when building their setup. By choosing components in different colors, consumers can create a unique and visually appealing computer setup that reflects their individual style. Additionally, consumers who have already established a color scheme for their rooms often desire matching PC components to create a cohesive space.

Trend - Brands are launching modular computers that serve as laptops, desktops, and handhelds when needed. These PCs offer one-stop premium alternatives to purchasing several different computers. Brands then offer upgrades and repairs for these units. This reduces e-waste and unnecessary spending.

Insight - The modern consumer often has several computers for different purposes. Many families have home computers for work or entertainment, while individuals have laptops and handhelds for school, work, or entertainment. These costs rise quickly, as computer parts are far from inexpensive. These customers cannot use one computer for everything, as in many cases computers are not portable, too weak, or too restrictive. This shows the demand for modular computers that serve multiple purposes.

Trend - New companies are emerging with a focus on laptop-style transformation kits for portable devices. Compatible with mobile phones, handheld PCs, and other compact devices, these transformation kits offer full laptop-style functionality through wired or wireless connectivity options.

Insight - Many individuals who work from home enjoy travelling while working, such as to a local coffee shop or on a longer vacation. However, investing in a full-size laptop to work on-the-go is often out-of-reach or not convenient for workers. While thin-and-light laptops offer affordability and portability, these devices have limited usage outside of basic typing functionality. Brands are responding to the desire for affordable, portable workstations with lapdocks for mobile devices.

Trend - Brands are adapting to the increasing presence of smart technology on worksites with professional-focused rugged tablets. These tablets have larger, clearer displays than rugged smartphones, making them more suited for on-site collaboration and communication.

Insight - Workers in physical labor industries, such as construction or engineering, often require smart technologies to view plans and instructions, and communicate with other workers. These workers cannot afford to have technology be fragile, like many smart devices are. While these users have previously used rugged phones, or phones with extensively protective cases, brands are now adapting to the needs of this industry in full with rugged, certified durable tablets.

Trend - Independent developers are using shared protocols to create decentralized content aggregator platforms. Companies do not own or moderate these platforms, which offers better privacy than large alternatives. Many of these platforms communicate with one another to form the 'Fediverse.'

Insight - Social media users are becoming increasingly dissuaded from the popular websites due to changes in moderation. Undesirable policy changes such as restrictive guidelines, feature monetization, and centralized control have led to users gravitating towards alternatives created by independent developers. Users prioritize privacy, personalization, and freedom on social media platforms, leading to several decentralized platforms that form the federalized metaverse, or the Fediverse.

Trend - Brands are launching laptops, mini computers, and full-size computer cases without fans to reduce noise. These computers uses passive cooling through various heatsink technologies to lower the active temperature of the components without needing to power fans. The benefit of this technology is silent operation and reduced power consumption at a slightly increased cost.

Insight - Consumers who build DIY computers do so for a variety of reasons. While some customers desire the most performance for the lowest cost, others are willing to pay a premium for unique designs, specific technologies, or quieter operation. On the other hand, workplaces that require each worker to have a computer focus on different metrics, such as cost-effectiveness and operation volume, as running many loud computers would be detrimental to productivity. As such, one common consumer pressure from the business and individual side is volume, placing pressure on PC brands to create solutions for low-noise PCs through various means.

Trend - Brands are launching technology products designed to be upgraded by the end-user. This includes laptops, smartphones, and gaming devices. This reduces manufacturing costs and consumer costs by allowing brands to sell single components at lower prices, instead of completely new devices to users who want upgrades.

Insight - Consumers are increasingly familiar with technology due to the pandemic and the younger generations growing up surrounded by devices. These consumers often repair and upgrade their own products rather than seek help from repair businesses as a cost-saving measure. As a direct result of this, these consumers are drawn to products designed to be opened and repaired. This creates a demand for businesses to sell individual components and products designed to be opened and modified, with a focus on products not as commonly designed to be repairable and upgradable, such as phones or laptops.

Trend - Gaming furniture and peripheral brands are launching gaming-focused chairs with built-in surround sound speaker systems. These chairs are immersive and comfortable, offering directional audio without the discomfort of a headset, enabling longer, more enjoyable gaming sessions.

Insight - Modern gamers continually seek devices that improve their performance, comfort, or experience. These players seek whatever products offer a competitive edge without breaking the bank. This involves purchasing multipurpose devices, such as multiplatform peripherals or heavily adjustable chairs for ergonomics. Brands have responded to this pressure by launching furniture with smart features. These appease the consumer's desire for increased performance, cost-saving, and personal comfort.