Users sniff at mobile devices unless they're phones

SHIPMENTS OF CONNECTED mobile devices in Europe fell by a quarter in Q2, 2002 compared to a year earlier, researcher Canalys reports.

Combined shipments of just over half a million units in Europe and the middle east during the quarter disappointed manufacturers, although the combined HP and Compaq ship managed to sneak a nose in front with a with 30 per cent unit share. But even the merged company's total shipment figures were down by 28 per cent.

Of the top five vendors, only fifth-placed Sony managed to increase shipments but it did so in some style, adding 44 per cent to its volumes, helping to boost the Palm OS's market share.

For the researcher, analyst Andy Buss reckoned economic uncertainty meant companies had put mobile device deployments on hold, "while many in the important early-adopter segment will be waiting for the promised new Pocket PC models based on Intel's XScale processor, and Palm's next wave of devices due towards year end."

More pertinently, he added: "The mass consumer market can only be drawn in by lower prices and simpler propositions -- people need to be persuaded that these devices will actually do something for them, so far they remain unconvinced."

According to Canalys, products that may pique consumer interest include the O2 xda wireless handheld and Nokia's 7650 camera phone. Notably these are phones with extras rather than silly devices for scribblling and wibbling on while you're stuck on an overpriced train. µ

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