14 DAY TRIAL // The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $172 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry, and has over 2,000 companies as members. The electronics holiday wish list this year seems to be almost exclusively focused on mobile systems and gadgets, with only three exceptions, namely the Flat panel TV (which holds third place), the video game console (ranked 4) and the desktop PC (which is ranked 9).
Notebook and laptop PCs are on top of the list this time. This is not surprising considering the growing popularity of such products during the past year. Mobile platforms have become the favorite device because of their ability to combine portability with high-end performance. This means that such devices can meet the needs of multimedia enthusiasts, businessmen, office workers, travelers, gamers and so on. In addition, laptops have started featuring multitouch technology, which further increases their appeal.
Still, when looking at the top 10 list from CEA, one can assume that mobility is the main concern of hopefuls. Except for the already mentioned three exceptions, all the other devices are mobile and ultra-mobile gadgets. Naturally, one would like to have as high enough an opportunity to enjoy their Christmas present, and such enjoyment is directly subject to how much time one has available to use it.
After the top-of-the-list laptop comes the same old portable mp3 player/digital media player, followed by the flat panel TV on third place, the video game system on fourth and the Digital Camera on fifth place.
The lower five from the top 10 list are probably less popular because of their higher prices or their more narrow range of uses. The sixth place is held by the Kindle/eReader and seventh by the iPhone, whereas eighth place goes to the Blu-ray player. The last place in the top 10 is held by the smartphone, just after the Desktop PC, which barely managed to score number 9.
From this list, one may deduce that the ability for on-the-go music playback is one of this year's main interests, with four of the ten devices (five if we count the smartphone), including the list-leading laptop, have this ability.
In conclusion, the notebook and media playback device market may have to put special effort into being prepared for the upcoming Christmas shopping spree.