Another profound change is reflected in the proliferation of home information products, most of which didn't exist a quarter century ago. From personal computers to digital cameras, digital devices enable increasing numbers of Americans to work from home. Desktop PCs are enjoying a strong replacement market, and notebook computers come complete with the latest wireless technology.

The mobility provided by smaller but more powerful digital devices enables business to be conducted just about anywhere. Information technology represents the largest sales category in the industry with sales of more than $41 billion in 2004, an eight percent increase over '03.

Mobile products, including cellular phones, personal digital assistants and the widening array of wireless electronics, grew by 10 percent to $19 billion. Phones have become multi-purpose devices and camera phones have led the sales surge in the past year.