Rapid Growth for UMDs in 2008, While Desktop PC Sales Slow, Reports In-Stat

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz.--(Business Wire)--
As technology companies adjust to the macro-economic effects of
tightened credit, flat wage growth, and job losses, 2008 looks to be a
year where ultra mobile devices (UMDs) continue to flush out their
ecosystems, and notebooks and emerging markets assert themselves on
the PC side, reports In-Stat (http://www.in-stat.com). Sales growth
for UMDs is expected to be 72.6% in 2008, the high-tech market
research firm says. UMDs are ultra mobile PCs, mobile Internet
devices, a percentage of high-end smartphones, and a percentage of
high-end personal media players.

"For UMDs, concerns remain in the areas of infrastructure and the
availability of connectivity beyond Wi-Fi," says Ian Lao, In-Stat
analyst. Also of concern are:

1. The development of sustainable business models (whereby all
levels of the ecosystem may make money without crushing the
consumer with high prices)

2. Form factors that are conducive to, and align tightly with,
specific usages

3. Interfaces that are intuitive and provide pleasant, repeatable
user experiences

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

-- Mobile PC growth is forecast to be 15.4% in 2008.

-- Desktop PC growth is forecast to flatten in 2008, and recover
nicely in 2010.

-- Non-computer makers are making plays by entering the mobile
Internet space and are even labeling their products "UMDs."

The research, "Here Come UMDs: A Worldwide UMD and PC Forecast for
2008" (#IN0804299UMD), covers the worldwide market for ultra mobile
devices and PCs. It provides global unit sales forecasts for UMDs,
mobile PCs, desktop PCs, mobile phone handsets, and PMPs through 2012.
Analysis of market drivers and barriers, including the current U.S.
economic downturn, is included.

For more information on this research or to purchase it online,
please visit: http://www.instat.com/catalog/wcatalogue.asp?id=310 or
contact a sales representative: http://www.instat.com/sales.asp.

The price is $2,999 (U.S.).

About In-Stat

Technology vendors, service providers, technology professionals
and market specialists, worldwide, rely on In-Stat's experienced staff
and in-depth research to support critical business, product and
technology decisions. In-Stat's insights are derived from both a deep
technology understanding and comprehensive research, which examines
each segment of the value chain for each market. Regular and ongoing
end-user demand and primary research surveys underpin much of the
analysis, enabling In-Stat to provide incisive market knowledge and
guidance on future market opportunities via syndicated research
products, custom consulting, and advisory services.

In-Stat is a strategic segment of the $9 billion Reed Elsevier
global information network, with access to an expansive worldwide
electronic network, extensive technology databases and well-informed
personnel. As a member of Reed Business Information, In-Stat is a
division of the largest business-to-business publisher in the U.S.

In-Stat
Ian Lao, 480-609-4546
E-mail: ian.lao@reedbusiness.com
Kirsten Skedd Fischer, 781-734-8625
E-mail: kirsten.fischer@reedbusiness.com

Copyright Business Wire 2008