MOST WANTED: SMART DEVICES THE "IDEAL" BUT PC REMAINS KING

According to a report to be published by Berlin based market research firm Metrinomics, the humble PC is the computing device most people simply cannot live without. Despite the proliferation of smart devices now coming to market, six out of ten people insist that they simply couldn't live without their PC. Although nine out of ten people questioned own a mobile phone, less than 10% say they could easily live without their mobile - only 15% of mobile phone owners questioned consider mobile phone ownership an absolute must.

According to a report to be published by Berlin based market research firm Metrinomics, the humble PC is the computing device most people simply cannot live without. Despite the proliferation of smart devices now coming to market, six out of ten people insist that they simply couldn't live without their PC. Although nine out of ten people questioned own a mobile phone, less than 10% say they could easily live without their mobile - only 15% of mobile phone owners questioned consider mobile phone ownership an absolute must.

The marketing brouhaha surrounding the assortment of mobile phone/PDA type smart devices being launched on the market has also had a noticeable impact on information and communications device users adoption rates: 25% of those who took part in the study already own a so-called "smart" device, with one in five non-owners stating an intention to buy one within the next 12 months. Marginally more notebook owners than mobile phone owners express an inability to live without their respective devices; showing that the mobile phones ubiquity does not necessarily guarantee its safety in the device need perceptions of device users.

The global report, based on interviews with over 400 members of the research firms 11,000 strong online IT panel, also finds that mobile phone/PDA type packages are the stated ideal" device of choice. However, advocates of a one size fits all" device strategy might be alarmed to hear that around 35% of consumers consider existing stand alone devices to be their preferred devices of choice. Email and internet access are the key communications tools required by 90% of all device users, while Wi-Fi establishes itself as the standard specification need for those who favour a configured device approach. Users who prefer a mobile phone/PDA set-up prove to be the most demanding; requiring a plethora of standards including Bluetooth, GSM, GPRS, UMTS and WLAN.

Weight, portability, multifunctionality and good multimedia capabilities are the factors uppermost in the minds of user s prior to device purchase. Announcing the report launch, Metrinomics CEO Hans Juergen Schmolke said:

"The advent of wireless technologies has swiftened the range of fixed and portable computing devices available on the market. Improved interoperability between devices and the rise of convergence devices are breaking down traditional patterns of use to encompass functions typically associated with other devices like mobile phones and PDAs. That is why we find that our panel members are calling for email, internet and wireless networking capabilities fitted as standard on new devices coming to market. However, developers and manufacturers should pay heed to the requirements of different user groups whose collective needs are not necessarily met by a one-stop device solution. As our findings show, there is still more than enough room and need for traditional single use devices."