Gifts for Grads: Smartphones Grow in Demand

Nearly 70 Percent Report Tech Issues While In School

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May 21, 2015, 08:00 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 21, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- 75 percent of high school and college graduates are expecting a gift upon their commencement, but what tops the wish list this year? For the second year in a row, Asurion, the connected life services company, surveyed over 1,100 high school and college graduates to learn what gift would please the graduates most. The survey showed that grads requesting laptops and tablets decreased year over year while the desire for smartphones has increased and gaming systems remained flat. Interestingly, these tech savvy graduates also reported an increase in problems with their technology while in school.

Top Tech Items
Similar to last year, when it comes to new technology, laptops are still by far the most requested gift for most students (51 percent of high school and 43 percent of college grads). While still the most desired gift, results did show a drop in laptop demand from last year when 58 percent of high school and 44 percent of college students placed it at the top of their list. Demand for tablets also dropped; in 2015 four percent of high school and 13 percent of college grads placed it at the top of the graduation wish lists vs. six percent and 17 percent respectively in 2014.

With the waning demand for laptops and tablets, the survey did show an increase in demand for smartphones among high school students, jumping from nine percent in 2014 to 16 percent in 2015.

Gaming systems continue to make grads' wish lists with 11 percent of college and high school grads placing the entertainment system at the top of their list. This number was unchanged year over year.

Protecting Grads' Gifts
Students need to be prepared for problems. Nearly 70 percent of current college students surveyed stated they experienced problems with their technology while at school, a nearly 10 percent increase from 2014.

"The class of 2015 undoubtedly wants technology for their graduation gifts, especially given the recent launch of many innovative devices," said Bettie Colombo, an Asurion spokesperson. "But this new technology often comes with a hefty price tag. It's important to know your investment will last your grad for many years to come and that they have a plan for getting support when they have a tech issue."

Asurion, alongside their retail and wireless partners, is focused on giving consumers the added peace of mind that they will never be held back. In fact, Asurion's premier support program can help consumers from set-up and troubleshooting to simply discovering new features. Asurion's technicians are focused on helping you unlock your device's potential – so you can be more productive and stay connected throughout high school, college and beyond.

Why Tech for Graduation?
All work and no play makes for a no-fun school day. The class of 2015 is using their technology to relax and unwind. Asurion's survey revealed that 70 percent of grads turn to their smartphones to escape the stresses of school, while six in ten students watch television instead.

However, students cannot forget the demands of school, so not only do they want technology, they need it. High school and college graduates agree that both a laptop and smartphone are essential to have at school; in fact, 87 percent of college grads claim their laptops are the most important piece of technology for completing their schoolwork. It is also the preferred device for emailing teachers and classmates.

Whether you're looking to get your grad something they want, something they need or both, technology is the way to go. Make sure your grad will remain connected with a protection plan from Asurion. Ask your wireless carrier or retailer for details or visit Asurion.com for more information.

About Asurion
For more than 20 years, Asurion's innovation and dedication to delighting customers has made it the preferred provider of technology protection to the world's largest wireless carriers, trusted retailers and popular device manufacturers. Asurion's 16,000 global employees support its 280 million consumers with an award-winning experience delivered through products and services that have set the standard in the industry and made Asurion, America's #1 Protection Plan provider. The company's fully integrated, end-to-end solutions, which are customized for its carrier, retail and device manufacturer partners, include premier support that enables consumers to fully utilize their digital devices and products; applications to protect privacy and provide security; and rapid replacement (usually overnight) of lost, stolen, damaged, or malfunctioning devices. When a product is missing or simply doesn't work properly, Asurion solves the problem with people and processes operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, speaking six languages, and working across any device, platform, or provider. For more information about Asurion, please visit www.asurion.com.

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