Although the majority the studies predicted the end of the PDAs, Gartner has recently released a new analysis which should thrill PDA manufacturers.

According to Gartner's study, the PDA market has recorded a 32% increase compared to the same period from last year. The difference between Gartner's analysis and the other studies, which had no doubts about the PDA's death, is the inclusion in the statistics of the wireless PDAs.

To clear things up, Gartner has included in the study a definition of the PDA: "A data-centric handheld computer weighing less than one pound that is primarily designed for use with both hands. These devices use an open market operating system supported by third-party applications that can be added into the device by end users. They offer instant on/off capability and synchronization of files with a PC. A PDA may offer WAN support for voice, but these are data-first, voice-second devices."

In this way, it was concluded that RIM Blackberry is the bestselling PDA, having a market share of 23.2% compared to the 18% from last year. The Palms are the ones which have suffered a major decline, from 33.2%, last year, to 17.8%, this year.

Places three and four were occupied by HP and Nokia, and Microsoft, with its Windows Mobile platform, was noticed as the leading provider of operating systems for PDAs. The other players on the OS market were occupied by RIM Blackberry, and respectively Palm.

"The steady growth in the PDA market can be attributed to a combination of factors," Todd Kort, a Gartner principal analyst, said in a statement. "Wireless PDAs are increasingly seen as an adjunct or alternative to notebook computers, while favorable exchange rates have enabled more Europeans to purchase PDAs at an attractive price.

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