Divergent meaning of convergent mobile phone from generic mobile phone

초록

Mobile phones have become necessities of our life and nowadays convergent mobile phones are spreading rapidly. However, the meaning of convergent mobile phones for consumers and the difference between generic mobile phones and convergent mobile phones were not investigated enough. Therefore, this article explores the evolving meaning of mobile phones for consumers. Verbatim texts of eight phenomenological interviews concerning consumers' perceptions and experiences of mobile phones are analyzed. This research shows that common themes for both generic mobile phones and convergent mobile phones and different themes for convergent mobile phones. Connection and self expression themes are found for both phones while entertainment theme is more highlighted in convergent mobile phones than in generic mobile phones. Our research has also indicated that the adoption of or satisfaction with convergent mobile phones depends on consumer's expectation and innovation resistance.