Factors Influencing Individuals to Switch from Personal Computers to Smartphones

Smartphones play today a significant role in providing portability and ease of use for most of the personal computer (PC) functionalities anytime and anywhere. The smartphone market, especially in the UAE, is experiencing an increase in its size. Current technology users seek ease of use, portability, efficiency, and effectiveness. This research focuses on studying and analyzing the factors that influence individuals in Abu Dhabi causing them to switch from personal computers to smartphones. The studied factors in this paper are social, technical, and dependency. This paper utilizes two models, the Technology Acceptance Model and Structural Equation Model, to focus on two technologies in smartphones to analyze their functional attributes; wireless internet connectivity and mobile service technology that provide portability and mobility. This study analyzes the reasons behind the increased use of smartphones as well as decreased use of PCs. This research also provides smartphone manufacturers and mobile application designers with latest trends and perspectives of regional customers. This paper concludes with recommendations for industry, practitioners, further research, and the successful adoption of mobile in the UAE.