Handhelds less popular in Asia Pacific

Demand for handhelds in Asia Pacific declined this year, as consumers preferred buying mobile phones or digital cameras in 2003, a report from the IDC research firm said. The number of units sold in Asia Pacific market decreased 29% to 1.59 mln units last year compared to 2002. Lower consumer demand in China was seen as a major factor dragging down the handheld market. Excluding China, handheld market increased by 13%. Demand was encouraging in Hong Kong, Malaysia and Australia in 2003.