Given tough macro-economic situation in the world, sales of desktop and mobile computers are projected to slowdown considerably this year, whereas the market of the so-called ultra mobile devices (UMDs) are projected to grow at a rapid pace, market research firm In-Stat said in its recent report.

Sales growth for UMDs is expected to be 72.6% in 2008, the high-tech market research firm says, meanwhile, mobile PC growth is forecast to be 15.4% in 2008, whereas desktop PC growth is forecast to flatten in 2008, and recover only in 2010.

In-Stat considers ultra mobile PCs, mobile Internet devices, a percentage of high-end smartphones, and a percentage of high-end personal media players to be ultra mobile devices, therefore markets that UMDs can address are much broader compared to typical personal computers. According to market research company, non-computer makers are making plays by entering the mobile Internet space and are even labeling their products UMDs.

“For UMDs, concerns remain in the areas of infrastructure and the availability of connectivity beyond Wi-Fi,” said Ian Lao, an In-Stat analyst.

But there are concerns beyond Internet connectivity. Form-factors of UMDs should be tailored for particular task, which means that they may not necessarily substitute each other. Graphics user interfaces of UMDs should very well thought, otherwise, the actual devices may not become popular among end-users. Finally, sustainable business models should be developed, whereby all levels of the ecosystem may make money without crushing the consumer with high prices, which means high market shares of UMDs.