Mobile Internet devices to top 90M in sales by 2012

A new category of consumer electronics device – the Mobile Internet Device – is expected to appeal to a wide variety of consumers, according to a new study from ABI Research.
The report predicts the always-connected devices will grow from less than 3.5 million units shipped worldwide this year to nearly 90 million shipped by 2012. ABI said existing consumer electronics manufacturers will likely lead the market.
“Not long ago, the idea of a portable device that was constantly connected to the Internet would have seemed science fiction,” said Stan Schatt, VP of ABI Research. “But today a multitude of Mobile Internet Devices aimed at a broad spectrum of consumers are populating a whole new product category.”
ABI predicts eight classes of consumers will be interested in MIDs, including multimedia enthusiasts, Gen Y Social Networkers, Younger Gamers, Soccer Moms, Lifestyle Boomers, Adventurers, Frugal Generalists and Business Application Users. The firm noted health-conscious Baby Boomers with aging parents, young children or medical issues might be interested in a MID that provides medical monitoring or tracking.
“Disregarding the once-touted trend of cramming ever more functions into one box, MID users will carry several dedicated devices,” predicts ABI. “Some may even replace their smartphone with a simple, basic mobile phone, using an MID for Internet access.”