ABI Research Survey: Nearly Half of Respondents View MIDs as Cell Phone Replacements

NEW YORK - February 3, 2009

In November 2008 ABI Research carried out a survey of more than 1000 adult consumers in the United States, aimed at identifying their attitudes to netbooks and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs). The results are summarized in a Research Brief on MIDs which provides critical insights into consumer perceptions of these products

MIDs have been proposed by some as cell phone replacements. Does the public agree? In this survey, almost half did, lending support to models incorporating cellular voice, while 34% said they would continue to use a cellular handset.

“This is going to become a question for MID vendors and consumers alike,” says Philip Solis, principal analyst at ABI Research. “There will be little difference between a smartphone such as the Palm Pre which uses an OMAP 3 processor and a MID with cellular voice, except for screen size.  Understanding of what consumers want from stand-alone MIDs without cellular voice will be important.”

ABI Research believes that some people will value a separate device with a bigger screen for the web browsing, that they can choose when to carry. The more interesting promise offered by MIDs without cellular voice will be their repackaging in the form of specialized Internet-connected CE devices such as media players or personal navigation devices.

This Research Brief, “US Consumer Interest in Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs)” address consumers’ levels of interest in purchasing these devices, expected usage patterns, preferred applications, size and form factor, operating systems, affordability, and more. Each survey result is accompanied by concise interpretations of its significance.

It forms part of the firm’s MIDs and Mobile CE Research Service which also includes other Research Briefs, Research Reports, Market Data, ABI Insights, ABI Vendor Matrices, and analyst inquiry support.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of emerging trends in global connectivity. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advise thousands of decision makers through research and advisory services in seven key practice areas. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.