IDC reports that sales of handheld devices are down 28.5% for 2006 as compared to the year before. Palm continues to be the segment leader, moving 1.9 million units in 2006 for a year-over-year decline of 28.3%.
Customers continue to migrate to integrated and converged devices like smartphones and WiFi-enabled notebook computers as well as GPS devices and away from handhelds.
The best-selling handheld seems to be the Palm Z22, introduced back in Oct 2005, which makes it a virtual vintage in Internet time.
Commentary: those seeking to put a positive spin on the IDC report could well point out that it’s merely a slump, and not a collapse.
Worldwide Handheld Device Shipments Reach 5.5 Million Units in 2006 – IDC, Feb 8 2007
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Who wants a regular handheld when they can have a smartphone? This news makes sense.
Smartphone Rx is right. Do they even make anyh handheld devices other than smartphones anymore?