These days it seems one cannot escape a conversation before the topic of app stores is broached. Perhaps this is because I am a tech analyst (providing this reason a good likelihood of accuracy). But for those not professionally engaged in technology, the incessant Apple commercials touting that they have an “app for that”, the launch of Blackberry World, frequent G1 advertisements, and the relentless press coverage of the “iPhone killing” Palm Pre would make all aware that smartphones have arrived.

But does this chatter really turn into consumer dollars? This was the question we sought to understand in the recent Yankee Group Consumer survey. This online survey, which was fielded in mid-April revealed a number of interesting points.

Of the 1,432 survey respondents 41% (583) said they were very likely or likely to purchase a multimedia handset with a data plan as their next phone. To me, this is a pretty astounding number and indicates the market is primed for a converged device a wildly different scenario than the unsure days leading up to the launch of the first iPhone. Interest is not restricted to the young as evidenced by the more than 14% of those 65+ who were very likely or likely to buy a smartphone. Income also presented little resistance to interest as more than 30% of those earning under $10,000 were also very likely or likely to buy. No gender gap in interest existed either with both men and women clamoring in equal regard for multimedia handsets.

These desires are particularly interesting in light of the current economic turmoil which has many respondents saying they will spend less on devices and services in the next 12 months. If their intent to spend less holds true and they desire a smartphone with a data plan they will be forced to pare back on other services to afford their increased monthly mobile spend. Other SPs should be concerned that their portion of walletshare may be reduced as a result.

Now that interest has been established the next logical question is what brand/platform of phone will consumers want. Everyone wants an iPhone, right? Not exactly. Apple was the second most desired handset with Blackberry leading the pack. Nearly 44% wanted a RIM device while 30% expect to purchase an iPhone. This survey was fielded after iPhone 3.0 was announced as well meaning that that release may not tip the scales in Apple’s favor. The results also indicate that Google has its work cut out for it as less than 4% of respondents were planning on buying an Android based phone.

RIM’s success could be attributed to a number of factors – not the least of which is an increasing demand gap between it and iPhone in all age segments over 35. The data also likely indicates a desire for consumers to remain with their current carrier or the attractiveness of the range of price points that Blackberry is offered at. Blackberry also offers devices on all major carriers while Apple and Google currently do not. In order to win over those that do no want their devices and platforms manufacturers must consider releasing devices through multiple carriers, a lesson Palm should learn quickly.

Further analysis of interest – cut by carrier will likely yield interesting results in platform interest. Will Verizon subs be uninterested in iPhone because their carrier does not offer it? These types of questions and more will be looked at by Andy Castonguay in an upcoming report.