In the report, ‘The Battle at Hand: The Smart Handheld Devices Market Forecast and Analysis, 2002-2004,’ its authors forecast that global shipments of smart handheld devices will soar from 12.9 million units in 2000 to over 63.4 million by 2004. "Technological progress, particularly in mobile multimedia and wireless areas, will continue at a rapid pace, and 2001 will prove to be the year when mobile access devices hit their stride," said Kevin Burden, manager of IDC’s Smart Handheld Device Research Program.

World shipments of handheld devices accounted for 73 percent with the majority operating on Palm OS. However, with Microsoft and RIM generating a loyal following, we may see Palm’s market position soften, said Mr. Burden.

Smart phones will be the fastest growing segment of the smart handheld devices market, the study concludes. From 480,000 in 2000, shipments of smartphones will increase at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 164 percent to over 23 million by 2004. In comparison, the overall market will earn a 48 percent CAGR.

In addition to forecasting shipments and value of shipments, the IDC report analyzes the trends, market accelerators, and inhibitors impacting the smart handheld devices market.