IDC has updated its
PC shipment in reaction to the worsening economic
recession . IDC’s latest forecast predicts PC shipments, including
laptops,
desktops and
netbooks, to fall further in 2009 before recovering in 2010. A 4.5 per cent decline is now forecast for 2009, compared to the previous prediction of 3.8 per cent made in December, suggesting that perhaps the industry is struggling to cope with the effects of the economic crisis. The first half of 2009 is expected to suffer the brunt of the fall, with an 8 per cent decline expected.
According to IDC, there will be a total of 282 million in 2009, falling from 295.2 million in 2008. IDC cite the decline in consumer spending and rise in unemployment as the major reasons for the fall. 2010, however, may benefit from these very same reasons, as consumers currently considering buying or upgrading
PCs defer for an extra year. As a result, IDC predict that worldwide PC shipments will rise to over 300 million in 2010.
IDC also expect that netbooks will continue their dramatic rise in popularity. Having amassed 10 million shipments in 2008, that figure is set to double in 2009.