Consumers’ desire to be "in touch" no matter when or where is keeping the wireless phone sector humming along. A whopping 73 percent of U.S. households now own a wireless phone, with dealer sales projected to reach 125 million in 2006 on dollar sales of $16.1 billion. That’s up from 104 million units in 2005 on $13.6 billion.
Camera phones now available at upward of five megapixels have become a driving force in upgrades, even if the ability to deliver images across media remains a significant challenge. Other innovative mobile phone features such as video playback, MP3 and GPS capabilities continue to move the market forward. New purchases and upgrades facilitate the purchase of batteries, chargers, carrying cases, snap-on covers and other accessories.
Not all wireless categories are growing. The PDA market has taken a dip for the past three consecutive years, after peaking in at 6.5 million unit sales in 2001. The main reason is that other devices are expanding their functionality to encompass some of the core PDA amenities. For 2006, CEA projects PDA unit sales will dip to 4.2 million, down from 4.8 million
PC Accessories
Of all accessories, consumers were most likely during the past 12 months to have purchased one for their PC than in any other category. Growth remains steady in unit sales of aftermarket computer monitors, modems and fax modems and other computer peripherals, according to CEA Market Research, which estimates factory sales of peripherals will hit $3.9 billion in 2006, up from $3.5 billion in 2005.
