MSE Forum Poll: Which device do you use the most to make online purchases?

MSE_JC

There's been a meme doing the rounds for a while about millennials preferring to make big online purchases using a laptop instead of a smartphone.

Is it a sense of accuracy and security from using a physical keyboard? Perhaps the bigger screen makes it easier to see pictures or read vital information? Maybe it's just the comfort of pre-touchscreen nostalgia?

What kind of tech do you tend to use when buying something on the internet (as opposed to just day-to-day browsing)?

Vote in the poll then share your thoughts in the thread.

flaneurs_lobster

Specifically for larger purchases where cashback via TCB/Quidco is significant I'll always use a laptop (with a new instance of a browser, cookies cleared) in order to give tracking a decent chance.

Don't quite understand how the same tracking data functions across apps/browsers on a mobile device so I'll use something I know (usually) works.

subjecttocontract

Why would anyone use the small screen on a mobile phone unless they had no access to something larger ?

Exodi

That's so funny, but yes guilty as charged - I'm a millennial that will use a laptop for most purchases (particularly big ones!).

The main reason is once I've committed to purchasing something, I'll oftentimes do a big search around various sites and such, trying discount codes, cashback, etc to get the final price as low as possible - even if it's just getting honey gold on a purchase (which you can't on a phone AFAIK). It's also significantly faster to browse on a laptop compared to a phone (typing is quicker, reverse image searching, etc). Of course not everyone can touch type, or even type fast, so there might not be so much in it.

To be honest, even in the research stage of buying something I'll use a laptop, the significantly larger screen is much better suited to displaying information or watching videos.

With that said - I am aware that there has been a generational shift from laptops to things like tablets (or even just a phone). While it seems blasphemy to me, none of my younger siblings even own laptops (and only one of them owns a tablet!). They obviously don't see any issue with it as they don't know any different.

Ibrahim5

I have a specific IT policy. Desktop computer which is upgraded as needed. Big screen and big sound. Top quality components. Never buy a new one. It just evolves. Massive money saver. Also have a sub £200 android phone. Never try and repair. Just buy new. I have only had 3 though. I do tend to use the desktop for purchases although I will also use phone.

Rob5342

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82047338#Comment_82047338

The reasons I do are because I can just get the phone out of my pocket instead of having to go and get the laptop, and because I find it more comfortable to sit back and use my phone instead of sitting up using the laptop. I'll need my phone anyway a lot of the time to approve payments in my banking app so it's easier to do it on one device.

Jemma01

My phone for most purchases. But if I need to do a research before, then often use my laptop. Though I hardly use my laptop for the purchase when it is time to buy.

BridgetTheCat

Tablet. The convenience of a phone, but with a bigger screen.

golfplayer224

laptop for lager purchases, I dont know why but spending a big amount is scary

Acer321

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82051912#Comment_82051912

Just lager, no wine or spirits?

😜

jungleboy123

heh… i think everyone is old school here - laptop.

Here i am with my high end gaming pc on my 65" 4k OLED TV buying off an amazon warehouse every few months! I guess every little helps using HDR and large text to make sure i capture all the important fine print details…. or so i hope :)