According to research from PriceGrabber.com, 58% of US online consumers now own a mobile phone capable of connecting with the internet. Of these, 21% own a smartphone, 8% own an iPhone and 29% own another type of web-enabled phone. And, despite the economic climate, 8% of online consumers purchased their first web-enabled phone during the first quarter of 2009.

One in 10 online consumers say they purchase online from their mobile device, 16% compare prices and another 16% research product details/specifications. Of the online consumers making purchases from their mobile phones, 58% have purchased digital content for their phone, 51% have purchased consumer electronics, 37% have purchased computers, 36% have purchased books and 31% have purchased clothing.

Apple iPhone owners are by far the heaviest users of mobile shopping. 56% of iPhone owners compared to 28% of smartphone owners compare prices online with their mobile phones. Additionally, 27% of iPhone owners and 35% of smartphone owners anticipate that they will be comparing prices within two years.

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