View this article at: http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/07/06/smartphone.buyer.survey/
Monday, Jul 06, 2009 6:45pm
Demand surges for Apple and Palm smartphones
As consumers plan to purchase more smartphones than ever, future demand for Palm and Apple devices also continues to surge, according to recent survey data collected by ChangeWave. While a March survey indicated only four percent of surveyed individuals expected to buy a Palm in the next 90 days, the group has doubled to eight percent in the June data.

Palm is relying on its new Pre device to bring the company back from a long period of financial troubles, after falling from its leading position three years ago. In a December survey, future demand for Palm handsets fell to a low of just one percent.

Approximately 44 percent of respondents anticipate purchasing an iPhone in the next 90 days, marking a 14 percent increase from March. The clear majority of future buyers claimed they do not currently own an iPhone, indicating the device continues to draw a large number of converts from other platforms.

Demand for RIM products slid by 14 points, although the numbers coincide with a natural slowdown following several earlier launches. Apple and Palm both launched new flagship smartphones in June.

While the iPhone and Pre each have contributed to spikes in future demand, the exclusive availability through a single carrier prevents even larger numbers of new customers. AT&T was the most important factor for 20 percent of respondents not planning on purchasing an iPhone, while 16 percent listed Sprint as the top reason to avoid the Pre. Recent Consumer Reports rankings placed the iPhone ahead of competing devices, but Verizon took top honors amongst carriers.