Hand-Held Computer Shipments Drop 18%

Worldwide shipments of hand-held computers fell 18% in 2003 as consumers bought new mobile phones that also perform the main functions of hand-held computers such as electronic calendars.

Shipments fell to 10.4 million units, down from 12.6 million in 2002, technology market researcher IDC said. Shipments rose 3.2% in the fourth quarter to 3.43 million units from a year earlier, IDC said.

Framingham, Mass.-based IDC predicted that worldwide hand-held computer shipments would be little changed this year, with 4% growth in 2005.