Whereas a second product is purchased to complement something you already own, a third product is bought to complement the second one. For example, a portable TV is a third product because it's usually purchased after a main TV for the living room and another for the bedroom.

In the digital camera category, “toy cameras” are a popular third product as more and more people buy them as an accessory in addition to digital single-lens reflex cameras and point-and-shoot digital cameras. Industry insiders say their unique designs appeal to young people.

An increasing number of office workers are buying ultra mobile personal computers (UMPCs), also called mini-notebooks. UMPCs are more convenient than laptops while on the move because they are smaller and easier to carry. Less powerful but half the size of a laptop, UMPCs feature only basic functions like word processing and Internet.

Palm-sized pocket TVs have generated a new category of portable TVs, in addition to the existing large LCD and plasma screen TVs and smaller-than-19-inch bedroom TV categories. Consumers buy them to use in cars or outdoors.

An official with GMarket, an online shopping mall, said, “The recent growth in interest in third products has led sales of relevant products to rise 40 percent year-on. Interest in new digital products has generated the new third product market.”

(englishnews@chosun.com )