Andy Sjostrom
02-06-2002, 08:32 PM
<a href="http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?bw.020602/220370042">http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?bw.020602/220370042</a><br /><br />... that "global shipments of personal digital assistants (PDAs) grew 17 percent in 2001 despite a weak global economy"<br />We've seen the numbers before. This is a growth market. At least for some.<br /><br />... that "total shipments reached 8 million units for the year."<br />8 million units is about 16 percent of the 50 million Nokia phones estimated to be sold.<br /><br />... that "shipments in 2002 for PDAs will increase about 18 percent"<br />If some players lose share, during this growth, then the other players are likely to experience a higher growth than 18 percent. I don't think 18 percent is even close what Microsoft aims for in respect of their growth within the entire wireless market, ie including smart phones. If PDAs are going to get them there, then something else will. Something that stings.<br /><br />... that "the three major customer segments for PDAs are consumer, mobile professionals and enterprise."<br />Sounds like a very educated categorization.<br /><br />... that "the current OS leader among PDAs is clearly Palm followed by Pocket PC and Windows CE."<br />Is that Pocket PC before Windows CE, and/or both after Palm?<br /><br />... that "key PDA market drivers for the coming years will be more robust devices with newer and more reliable applications, backed by better wireless data and phone networks; wider use of Bluetooth and other short-range wireless technologies; and lower unit prices."<br />Agree. But I miss true wireless Internet connectivity. That is THE key market driver, and mobile operator killer.<br /><br />I have never heard of <a href="http://www.instat.com/">Cahners In-Stat/MDR</a>. Apparently they are a unit of Cahners Business Information (never heard of them, either!), and they say they are a "leading provider of critical information and marketing solutions to business professionals...".