Mobiles Will Make Teens Merry This Holiday.

Cingular reports that teenagers in the US, ages 13 to 17, want wireless phones and service plans as gifts this holiday season more than PCs, DVD players, even video game consoles.

Cingular commissioned International Communications Research to survey teens, finding that nearly 50% of respondents say they want wireless phones to help them stay in touch with family and friends, a percentage that rises from 33% who said the same in 2001. A few years ago, 13% wanted wireless phones so they could show off, but since the technology is more ubiquitous, just 7% say they want a wireless phone for the coolness factor.

It’s no wonder that teens between the ages of 13 and 17 told International Communications Research they would like a wireless phone as a gift this holiday, considering August research from Yankee Group. Yankee found that just 36% of teens between the ages of 13 and 17 actually own a wireless phone, compared to 45% with DVD players and over one-half with PCs.

For the most stats on teenagers in the US and their adoption of different technologies, turn to eMarketer’s eStat Database — an advanced search on the terms “teenagers” and “US” presents you with 225 tables and charts. Narrow your search down to the exact number you need.