Apple and RIM Lead Smart phone Sales

According to a March 2008 ChangeWave survey of 3,597 consumers, the smart phone industry is "a two-horse race between Research In Motion's BlackBerry and Apple's iPhone," say Paul Carton and Jim Woods, ChangeWave analysts.

As the incumbent, RIM continues to enjoy a commanding market share lead, with 42 percent. Apple has nine percent, but is growing faster than RIM.

If customer satisfaction is an indicator of future growth, Apple will contiunue gaining share. About 79 percent of iPhone owners report they're "very satisfied" with their phone. About 54 percent of BlackBerry users say the same.

Among respondents planning to buy a new smart phone in the next 90 days, 35 percent say they'll purchase an Apple iPhone, a huge jump since January 2008.

About 29 percent say they will buy a BlackBerry.