Though I gave myself the title of Baron, I certainly don't think I know everything about technology usage and media usage, but I do know a bit. That wisdom is what I try to impart here. That said, it seems completely obvious to me (and I would hope to you too, loyal reader) that the PC web experience and the mobile web are very different. Apparently, based on the tone of this BusinessWeek article, it's not that obvious.
Is it such a surprise that people don't want to set up blogs on social network sites via their mobile devices? Until the iPhone, most mobile devices delivered a poor browsing experience that could not handle high-level activities. Is it a surprise to learn that people use their mobile time on weather forecasts and airline information? Without sounding too snooty (too late), the answer is no. I have done some work in the mobile space so maybe I'm biased, but the underlying theme -- that mobile is used for convenience and shorter sessions while PCs are used for more in-depth functions -- just seems very basic.
One thing to keep in mind regarding this research: early adopters almost always use new technologies differently than the masses. (That's what happened with DVRs and ad avoidance habits.) The iPhone, which has raised consumer awareness about the mobile web, has given rise to smartphones that deliver a true web experience, but current mobile web users -- about 30 million people in the U.S. -- probably won't predict the pattern for the rest of us.
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