This IDC study presents actual full-year 2004 and 1H05 data for the New Zealand smart handheld device (SHD) market consisting of both traditional personal digital assistants (PDAs) and converged mobile devices as well as gives vendor market share comparisons for the 2003 and 2004 handheld markets. This study also gives forecasts for both handhelds and converged devices through to 2009. Examining the market reality of 2004, this study offers in-depth analysis on current and future market trends and gives key recommendations and guidance for vendors and enterprises.

"Whilst areas of demand for traditional handheld devices still remain, stiff competition from the converged space is creating significant challenges for growth opportunities both in the present and moving forward. As a result, converged devices accounted for the majority share of the New Zealand SHD space in 2004 and this is expected to continue throughout the forecast period," says Liam Gunson, market analyst, Hardware Research, IDC New Zealand.