The availability of low priced devices, typically
coupled with compelling deals for mobile broadband, has stimulated
what market analyst In-Stat calls a dogfight ultra mobile device
(UMD) market.
In-Stat classifies
UMDs as including mobile Internet devices (MIDs), ultra mobile PCs
(UMPCs) such as netbooks, portable entertainment devices and
smartphones.
The research firm says that
intensive competition exists among not only the differing UMD
vendors but also among different categories within the market.
It adds that consumers have more choices than ever for mobile
broadband connectivity, and with new functionality being added to
existing products, the lines of distinction among product
categories are blurring.
In-Stat anticipates MID and UMPC shipments to be around 19
million units by 2013, while the total market for UMDs will
approach 656 million units in the same year.
“The introduction of the MID and UMPC platforms has ignited the
market for
mobile devices that combine communications, computing, and
entertainment functionality around the use of the Internet,”
explained Jim McGregor, In-Stat analyst. “MIDs and UMPCs still face
challenges in overcoming performance limitations and in attracting
interest from both consumers and carriers. These platforms must
create definitive positions in the mobile market as an increasing
number of other cellular and consumer devices become connected for
more specific uses and applications.”