Market analysts IDC have revealed that personal
computer sales have increased for the first time in nearby a year. The third quarter of 2009 saw
PC sales increase by 2.3 per cent, following three consecutive quarters of decline. Citing the return of
students to school as a factor in helping to increase sales,
mobile computers played a crucial role in driving up sales.
Sales of portable machines including
laptops and
netbooks increased by 33.5 per cent on the same quarter of 2008, with the release of
Windows 7 also believed to have contributed to the volume of sales. Netbooks alone rose even more sharply – by 37 per cent over the previous quarter. The mini
notebooks are now believed to account for 28 per cent of the consumer market, doubling the level of the previous year.
Desktop computers were, however, less popular.
The rise of netbooks is expected to continue in 2010, with buyers in developing nations likely to contribute to their growth. With a 10 per cent growth forecast next year, it is expected netbooks will still be increasing in popularity in 2013.