Kindle, Eee PC, PocketSurfer2: all bellwethers of the UMD

By Stuart Corner
Monday, 10 December 2007 06:30

Opinion and Analysis

Amazon's Kindle eBook has launched to much hype and mixed reviews, the ASUSTek Eee super-small notebook has sold like hot cakes and DataWind's Pocketsurfer2 mobile Internet access device, without the benefit of big name backers, has barely registered a blip on the local radar. But, according to ABI Research, these devices are only the vanguard of a 90 million strong invasion of ultramobile devices that will march into consumers hands over the next five years. The Kindle and PocketSurfer2 have a lot in common: they are both portable handheld devices built to fulfil specific purposes; their use of cellular mobile data networks for connectivity is crucial to their operation; they don't require users to be customers of a cellular service provider or pay separately for data (this charge is bundled in with purchased content in the case of the kindle and, for the first year, in the purchase price of the PocketSurfer2.

Functionally there is not a lot to distinguish the Eee from any other WiFi enabled notebook: it is just very small, but fully featured nonetheless. However, ABI Research says all three are members of "a whole new class of 'always-on' Internet-connected products, collectively termed 'Ultra-Mobile Devices' (UMDs) [that] will become popular over the next five years."

According to ABI Research vice president, Stan Schatt, "UMDs are a very exciting, potentially very lucrative area. What makes this market so intriguing is that products will assume so many different forms...product differentiation will be an integral part of the ultra mobile device marketing plan."

ABI breaks down UMDs into two major categories: Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs), which run Windows and business applications and are aimed at business users, and Mobile Internet Devices (MIDs), which target consumers and are more likely to run a Linux operating system. It says the latter, with their lower prices and wider appeal, will make up by far the majority of the devices shipped. Both types, however are likely to feature multiple wireless connectivity technologies - WiFi, WiMAX, and cellular - to maintain any time, anywhere Internet connectivity.