15 May 2009

MIDs & UMPCs Fight For Ultra Mobile Device Market

Consumers are getting more and more choice for untethered Internet connectivity, blurring lines between categories and creating a battle for market share amongst internet devices (MIDs), ultra mobile PCs (UMPCs), portable entertainment devices and smartphones, according to a report.

MID & UMPC shipments are anticipated to be around 19 million units by 2013, while the total market for UMDs will approach 656 million units in the same year, according to a forecast by market research company In-Stat which compiled the report.

“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, an analyst for In-Stat. “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.”