News
Issue #2002 - 46 (December 2002)
(Updated Dec. 10, 2002)

MARKET OUTLOOK & TRENDS

WiFi Growth Expected

Wi-Fi to drive uptake in PC, laptop sales
According to new findings from IDC, shipments of desktops, notebooks, and servers will rise 8.3 percent in 2003 to 147.5 million units, then rise 11 percent to 163.8 million units in 2004. This growth is being driven by many factors, one of which is the proliferation of 802.11b. Shipments will likely reach 136.2 million units for 2002, a 1.6 percent increase over 2001, IDC said. Last year marked one of the worst years in the history of the PC industry, with shipments shrinking 4.2 percent worldwide and 11.4 percent in the United States.

Intersil Forecasts predicts strong through 2006
Dennis Eaton of Intersil yesterday predicted several big changes for the Wi-Fi market at the 802.11 Planet show. Wi-Fi products are expected to generate $2 billion in revenue this year with growth projected at 30 percent a year at a compound rate through 2006. Eaton warned that the biggest challenges the Wi-Fi market currently faces in educating users on the technology so that proliferation can continue. He also warned that incompatibility between standards, such as 802.11b and 802.11a, could cause problems for some consumers, especially those on the lower-priced product levels.

For more information: http://www.wifi.org

MobileInfo Comments and Advisory: We agree with general forecasts with respects to WiFi. Let us not worry about the forecasts. Let us do it!

Note: This news release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and section 21E of Securities Exchange act of 1934 in USA. Similar provisions exist in other countries. There is no assurance that the stipulated plans of vendors will be implemented. MobileInfo does not warrant the authenticity of the information. Readers should take appropriate caution in developing plans utilizing these products, services and technology architectures.  All trademarks used in this summary are the property of their respective owners.