All the talk about the demise of the desktop computer and the rise of
replacements such as tablet computers, hand-held computers, and computers
in cell phones is just that:  talk.  A new research report finds that in
five years nearly all of us will still be using personal computers to do
such things as shop and write business letters.

Kelly


The Wall Street Journal
December 4, 2001

Personal Computer to Remain E-Commerce Device of Choice

By STEPHANIE MILES
THE WALL STREET JOURNAL ONLINE

Over the next five years the vast majority of online purchases will
continue to be made using a personal computer, with small inroads made
by other connected devices, according to a new study.

Nearly all Internet shopping -- 99.7% -- currently takes place using
computers, according to a report tracking e-commerce platforms from
GartnerG2, a unit of Gartner Inc. By 2005, 10% of online shopping will
be conducted on other Web-based platforms, such as Web-enabled
cellphones, wireless personal digital assistants, and
interactive-television set-top boxes.

Consumer e-commerce spending accounted for $61.8 billion in 2001, with
$61.7 billion spent using PCs, according to the study. By 2005,
GartnerG2 projects e-commerce spending will grow to $227.7 billion, with
$204.8 billion spent over PCs, $9.5 billion via mobile devices and $13.4
billion spent via interactive television sets.

"The PC is the jack of all trades for e-commerce, and will be for the
next several years," said David Schehr, research director at GartnerG2.

Non-PC Internet shopping will grow in popularity, but most shoppers will
use these devices in concert with their computers, according to Mr.
Schehr. Eventually, television viewers will be able to click onscreen
pop-up ads with their remote controls to order fast-food deliveries,
while Web-enabled cellphone users will be able to choose grocery
shopping lists already stored on their phones, and then go to the store
to pick up their orders.

These multiple platform transactions will present new marketing and
sales opportunities for retailers over the next few years, but will
likely fall short of the recent overheated expectations for ubiquitous
shopping through wireless and broadband Internet devices and appliances.

"Things got overhyped a bit," Mr. Schehr said. "The reality is,
consumers are smart people who will use the tools that are most
reasonable and effective."

Write to Stephanie Miles at [log in to unmask]


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