Research company predicts massive boom in mobile data equipped devices

Research firm ABI Research has put out a report that suggests more and more devices will come with mobile broadband connectivity built-in, with total shipments of such devices reaching 58 million by 2014.

While wi-fi is rapidly becoming an expected feature in most any electronic device, the availability and access to hot spots isn't broad enough to suit a device - such as the Amazon Kindle - that relies on constant connectivity in order to provide content and sell products.

The problem that manufacturers need to overcome, according to the report, is the inconsistency between the usefulness and features of the device in comparison to the added expense and hassle of a separate data plan.

Even Nintendo has toyed with the idea of building cellular connectivity into a future version of the DS, and absorbing the costs of a data plan through the software, rather than as a separate bill, as the Kindle does.

If the report proves accurate, the number of mobile broadband equipped devices in 2014 will be 55 time greater than seen in 2008, so manufacturers and data providers had better start some serious talks.