BlackBerry, Not iPhone Tops 1Q08

A recent International Data Corporation (IDC) report indicated that Research in Motion sold the most smartphones in the U.S. during the first quarter of 2008. RIM, the maker of the popular BlackBerry smartphones, took hold of 44.5% of the market during the first quarter. Apple and its iPhone trailed behind with 19.2% of the market.

RIM’s market share reflected a big increase from its 35.1% share during the previous quarter, while Apple’s share dropped off from its 26.7% share.

Two reasons that probably drove Apple’s market share downward are probably the passing of the holiday season, and the pending unveiling of the second version of the iPhone.

Palm was third with 13.4% of the market, an increase from its 7.9% share during the previous quarter. The release of its new Centro smartphone in February helped to drive up its sales.

Samsung was fourth with 8.6% of the market, an increase from the previous quarter’s 5.1% share.

Motorola’s market share dropped from 7.5% to 2.6%, while High Tech Computer (HTC)’s share fell from 7.9% to 4.1%.

RIM has been able to leverage its appeal to professionals and broaden its allure of everyday consumers. With the BlackBerry Bold and the touchscreen BlackBerry Thunder making their way to the public in the coming months, RIM may have a strong grip on its leadership position as it continues to successfully straddle the fence between corporate and casual consumers.

Source:
http://www.informationweek.com/news/personal_tech/
smartphones/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=208401284