‘Smart’ phones drain popularity of PDAs

Worldwide shipments of personal digital assistants declined for the third straight year, according to a new report.

Shipments of basic hand-held PDAs lacking telephone capabilities shrank to 9.2 million units in 2004, down 13 percent from 10.6 million units in 2003, according to IDC, a Framingham, Mass.-based research firm. It was the first time in five years that sales dropped below 10 million units.

The digital gadgets first popularized by the original PalmPilot in 1996 have been facing increasing competition in recent years from so-called “smart phones,” which combine organizer functions with cell phone capabilities.

“This drop stresses the urgent need for vendors to evolve their devices beyond personal information management,” said David Linsalata, an IDC analyst.

PDA shipments from palmOne Inc., the industry’s pioneer and top seller, fell by 9 percent to 3.7 million units in 2004, from 4 million units in 2003.

Breakfast seminar

Serologicals manager to discuss global trade

Mary Hansen, of Serologicals Corp., will be available to discuss her company’s expanding market and the complexity of international compliance issues this week during a breakfast seminar sponsored by Kansas International.

The breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. Friday at Alvamar Country Club, 1809 Crossgate Drive.

Hansen joined Serologicals in September as regulatory manager of import/export. She previously worked for JRH Biosciences, an Australian-owned company based in Lenexa, as regulatory supervisor. Hansen received a bachelor’s degree in biotechnology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

The topic of the seminar is “Serologicals Corporation: Working with Bovine Derived Products in Today’s International Market.” The cost is $10 for students and $15 for adults. To make a reservation, call Kansas International at 865-4426.

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