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[Neon]

More and more people are buying into the idea of carrying their music, and now video, with them.

According to figures released by the organisers of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), sales of MP3 players soared by 200% in 2005 to $3bn (£1.73bn).

The trend will continue in 2006, as more video-playing gadgets appear, with sales expected to hit $4.5bn.

Dozens of such gizmos are expected to be on show at CES in Las Vegas, which starts on Thursday.

Phenomenal growth
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, organisers of CES, MP3 players were the most desired gifts for this past Christmas. By contrast, a year ago portable players did not even feature in the top 10 wish lists of many consumers.

"We have witnessed this year a phenomenal growth in MP3," said Sean Wargo, director of industry analysis for the CEA, at a pre-show briefing.

"We have a lot to be thankful to Apple and the iPod in terms of the growth they are bringing to the industry."

While the various iPods account for a large chunk of the market for MP3 players, others such as Creative, Samsung and iRiver are trying to grab a bigger slice of the pie.

As well as music on the go, people are increasingly looking to gadgets that also play video.

Apple kick-started the trend toward portable video in October 2005 when it launched an iPod that could play movies, despite the fact that other devices already handled video.

Last year, 15% of MP3 players sold could also play video, according to the CEA. In 2006, that figure is set to rise to 30%.