According to a comScore analysis of the online research and purchase behavior of consumers in the wireless phone market, consumers are most likely to research newly released and "trendy" models. However, low-cost, or no-cost, models topped the list of phones obtained online by new and existing customers. The Motorola RAZR V3C topped the list in the first quarter of 2006 of phones most researched; other models included the Palm Treo 650, the Palm Treo 700W, and the Motorola Pebl.

The Sony Ericsson Z520A, available through Cingular, was the most frequently ordered model online, with more than two-thirds of these phones provided at no cost to the customer, while the Nokia 6101 (T-Mobile) and 6102 (Cingular) phones ranked second during the first quarter of 2006. More than two-thirds of the Nokia 6101/6102 phones were also provided at no cost to the customer.

"Consumers are researching the latest wireless phones online in great numbers, by either visiting product pages or conducting searches for specific models at the leading engines," said Brian Jurutka, director of marketing solutions at comScore.

"The top 10 models sold accounted for nearly half of all phones ordered by consumers at major wireless sites in the first quarter - with Motorola capturing the highest share at 38 percent."