Wireless is now the most sought-after technology ahead of computer processing power, according to a survey by Lexmark.

Figures suggest that almost half of people questioned by the printer manufacturer saw wireless as the technology that would boost productivity the most in the next five years, placing it ahead of other applications such as laptops and the internet.

The growth in homeworking coupled with the plateau in computer power are behind the trend, the research concluded.

“There is no doubt that wireless is a productivity driver,” said Marcus Harvey, director of the consumer printer division at Lexmark. “It is set to make a huge change to our lives as the earlier adopters realise they can recreate an office-style environment through wireless printing and mobile internet access.”