SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. – Users of smart phones reported that these devices are more essential to their business than the users of PDAs or laptops, says a recent U.S. consumer survey.
That doesn’t mean there will be automatic acceptance of those types of mobiles or widespread replacement of PDAs and laptops, reports research firm In-Stat.
"Wireless manufacturers have more work to do before converged phones start taking market share from other devices instead of just complementing their sales," said Bill Hughes, In-Stat analyst. "Users want a number of feature improvements including better keyboards, automatic synching with other devices, applications that have the same look and feel as on other devices, and expandable screens."
Other survey results say:
* Smart phones represent about 10% of the wireless phone market today. This will grow to 25% of the overall global market over the next five years.
* In many cases, users carry devices that have redundant applications. This behavior is in spite of the desire to have fewer devices.
* Wireless phone manufacturers can offer consumers more options on a single platform with smart phones. This reduces costs across the board.
