Information appliances emerge in post-PC era

Hardware resellers looking for the next big thing after the PC may want to start thinking about stocking 'information appliances'. These are emerging low-cost, easy-to-use digital electronic devices such as smart handheld devices, mobile phones and even games consoles and televisions that provide internet access.

According to industry researcher IDC, the market for such appliances will take off quickly as manufacturers race to address the post-PC era.

IDC is predicting that the worldwide market for these products will exceed 89 million units, or $17.8bn (£11bn), in 2004, up from 11 million units, or $2.4bn, in 1999.