Survey Highlights:Technology is closing the gender gap – men and Women are digital peers
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• Similar number of devices owned: women (6.6) and men (6.9)
• Similar number of devices used weekly: women (4.4) and men (4.9)

Both women and men spend most of their waking hours interfacing with tech
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• Women (15 hrs/ day) and men (17 hrs/ day)

Both own and use similar numbers of devices, relying most heavily on their computers and cell phones
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• % who use their computers weekly: women (73%) and men (71%)
• % who use their cell phones weekly: women (62%) and men (61%)

Women hold the purse strings. Women are making important purchase decisions about technology
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• 73% of women make tech purchasing decisions on their own (only 27% of women defer to others when choosing what tech to buy – vs. 24% of men)

Women are comfortable with tech

• Women are equally comfortable as men in their technology skin
• 79% of women feel comfortable using tech (only 21% of women wish they felt more comfortable using tech vs. 20% of men wish they felt more comfortable)
• They feel confident that they can figure out how to work technological items
• 83% are not afraid to play around with their tech gadgets (while only 17% of women fear activating functions on devices that they don‚Äôt know how to use)
• 72% of women prefer a hands-on approach to technology (i.e. playing with a device in order to learn how to use it)
• 46% do their own computer troubleshooting
• 83% of women are excited about getting a new tech item, and only 7% are afraid they might break it
• One third of women identify themselves as ‚Äútechie,‚Äù and 79% feel fully confident using technology (only 21% desire to have more confidence in using technology)
• More than two thirds have virtually no fear being left behind by its fast paced evolution (23% fear being left behind – same percentage as men).

Women Love Tech

• Women have an amazing 15 hour tech day.
• Far from wanting a break from technology, they are looking to increase their usage over time (and decrease sleep, one would guess!) It‚Äôs actually men who feel a greater need to take a break from tech.
• Over the next five years, women see themselves increasing their usage of six tech activities more than men, including digital cameras, cell phone calls, email, camera phones, SMS, and IM
• Only 15% of women often need a break from technology (vs. 20% of men)
• Only 12% of women would be relieved if they were without their cell phones (vs. 20% of men)

Women Love Tech Toys

• Given the choice, tech items are generally preferred over luxury items like jewelry or vacations
• Big screen TV vs. Bling ‚Äì it‚Äôs the plasma all the way
• 77% prefer a new plasma TV vs. a diamond solitaire necklace
• 56% prefer a new plasma TV vs. a weekend vacation in Florida
• Cell phone vs. Stilettos. It‚Äôs the cell phone, hands down.
• 78% of women prefer a new top-of-the-line cell phone with all the latest features and a sleek new design vs. designer shoes
• 86% prefer new digital video camera vs. designer shoes
• Women would chose an iPod over a little black dress (or a romantic dinner, massage, or a girls night out)

Special Note For Guys: If you think this is license to buy your wife or girlfriend a plasma TV for the next big occasion, think again. These surveys are done, in large part, to help to help Oxygen, a media network for women, work with advertisers and potential advertisers.

Source: Oxygen