Mio Technology ranked fifth in worldwide PDA shipments in the third quarter of 2006 as shipments grew by 86 percent from one year ago, based on PDAs that feature GPS navigation capabilities.

Microsoft's Windows CE accounted for 50,3 percent of PDA OS shipments in the third quarter, up from 49.4 percent from the same period last year. RIM OS accounted for 20.9 percent of the market, down from 25.1 percent one year ago. Many customers are holding off purchases until the next generation BlackBerry 8800 series is launched in early 2007.

Gartner defines a PDA as a data-centric handheld computer weighing less than one pound that is primarily designed for use with both hands. These devices use an open market operating system supported by third-party applications that can be added into the device by end users. They offer instant on/off capability and synchronization of files with a PC.