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The Asus Eee PC is a great example of a netbook
Ultra-mobile devices that include netbooks, mobile Internet devices (MIDs) and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) are forecast to see considerable uptake in 2009 and 2010, albeit the slow economy. Based on a recent study, IMS Research is forecasting that over 50 million connected ultra-mobile devices will ship in 2009, excluding smartphones.
A new study, Emerging Ultra-mobile Device Markets, reveals that many OEMs are actively deploying new products that would fall within three ultra-mobile categories. Anna Hunt, report author, comments:
“Netbooks and MIDs have the opportunity to gain mass market appeal very quickly, considering low up-front cost. Operator subsidies, connectivity, and compelling content and services will likely make these products even more desirable to a variety of consumer types.” IMS Research forecasts that 207 million ultra-mobile devices, excluding smartphones, will ship in 2014. Hunt adds, “Many OEMs are optimistic that consumers will look towards low-cost netbooks instead of full-featured laptops when replacing a desktop PC or as an ideal low-cost product for a child.”
3G-enabled netbooks are also believed to see strong adoption due to subsidized distribution by carriers, with T-Mobile, Orange, and AT&T, amongst others, expected to drive much of the volume. UMPCs are the one segment of the ultra-mobile device market that will likely see little growth, especially in 2009, due to the niche appeal and high cost of these products.
Connectivity is a key feature in ultra-mobile devices. IMS Research forecasts that in 2014, 64% of ultra-mobile devices shipping, including smartphones, will be equipped with three or more connectivity technologies, such as Wi-Fi, 3G and Bluetooth.
About The Author
Ben Robinson
Ben is a 10+ year veteran of the Mobile industry – starting his career when SMS was a still a relatively new concept for most people (!), he has now consulted on everything from bleeding-edge Mobile content, to the next-gen accessories you might view it on. As a result he has a broad and deep knowledge in numerous areas of Mobile – from network operators to device vendors, to infrastructure and middleware vendors (not to mention content delivery) – and has worked for companies in all of these areas! He is based in the UK, a hotbed of activity for mobile, and recently became a father for the second time – as oppose to in his younger years when he was happy spend time tweaking all manner of mobile devices to 'nth' degree, he now looks for services and hardware that provide the most efficient, compact, and reliable improvements to his already manic life! It’s his opinion that Mobile solutions should be there to help to make your life better – if a particular solution (be it service or device) isn’t doing this, he believes you need to ask the very important question of why you continue to use it... His focus at IntoMobile is mainly on Mobile content, services, and infrastructure, particularly as regards the UK market – and with the occasional look at devices. Additionally, using his extensive experience in the industry, he will provide commentary on the industry at large, with regular (and hopefully thought-provoking) articles.
