Tech device ownership is bipartisan

Democrats and Republicans find common ground when it come to purchasing consumer electronics devices like cellphones and MP3 players, a U.S. survey found. A survey by the Consumer Electronics Association found no partisan divide among Americans on spending for technology and ownership of devices like smartphones, digital cameras, high-definition televisions and laptop computers, Broadcasting & Cable reported. "Despite all the potential things that can divide us as a country, the one thing that Democrats and Republicans clearly agree on is technology," CEA President Gary Shapiro said in a statement. "Technology and innovation unite us as a country. Our results make clear that despite many political differences, tech spending and CE ownership is largely uninfluenced by political party affiliation." Democrats spent an average of $779 on consumer electronics products during the past year while Republicans spent $747, the survey found. The survey found little difference in holiday shopping plans, Shapiro said. "Shoppers associating with both parties plan to allocate a similar amount of money to technology gifts" and "party affiliation also had no impact on holiday wish lists," with Democrats and Republicans equally likely to give smartphones, tablets and other devices, he said.