Integrated Wireless Access Points Likely to Find Receptive Audience

Sheffield, UK and Worldwide, January 22, 2004 /Wi-Fi Technology News/- Parks Associates' Research Finds That Broadband Households Will Pay a Premium to Have an Integrated Wireless Access Point in Their Next Desktop PC

Two-thirds of broadband households are inclined to purchase a desktop PC with an integrated or "soft" wireless access point, according to Parks Associates' Broadband Networked Households.

Given this high interest, this feature, which is rare among current retail models, could be significant in differentiating products in the next generation of PCs.

"The concept of a stationary, non-networked PC is becoming antiquated," said Michael Greeson, Vice President, Research & Strategy for Parks Associates. "Mobility and connectivity are becoming increasingly important to PC users and will soon be the key differentiators among PC platforms. PCs that incorporate wireless networking will by default become the device of choice."

Parks Associates' most recent consumer research initiative, Broadband Networked Households, found that among the 16 million broadband households inclined to buy a desktop PC with an integrated wireless access point, 64% would pay an additional $50 or more for such a feature. The study features survey results from more than 3,300 broadband households.

For more information regarding Broadband Networked Households, contact Parks Associates at sales@parksassociates.com or call 972-490-1113. Visit www.parksassociates.com for more information.

About Parks Associates: Parks Associates is a market research and consulting firm focused on all product and service segments that are "digital" or provide connectivity within the home. The company's expertise includes home networks, digital entertainment, consumer electronics, broadband and Internet services, and home systems.

Founded in 1986, Parks Associates creates research capital for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to small start-ups through market reports, multiclient studies, consumer research, workshops, and custom-tailored client solutions. Parks Associates also hosts two executive seminars, both part of the Fall Focus series, and co-hosts CONNECTIONS? (in partnership with the Consumer Electronics Association) each year. http://www.parksassociates.com