New figures from technology research analysts Gartner have indicated
PC sales in the UK compare poorly to global levels. Sales of
PCs in the UK are constraining a revival of the global
computer manufacturing sector according to Gartner, which predicts a return to growth for worldwide PC shipments in 2010. However, the forecast relies on the UK improving its sales, having experienced a prolonged decline in sales.
Computer sales in the UK totalled 3.3 million during the third quarter, down by 2.4 per cent on the same quarter in 2008. 2008 was also a poor year – the first in six years that the sector experienced a decline.
With dismal
desktop PC sales, the global PC manufacturing sector has relied heavily upon the sales of
laptops and netbooks. Globally,
laptop sales are expected to grow by 21.2 per cent to 196.4 million units next year, with
netbooks the major reason for this growth. A 41.4 per cent growth in the sales of these mini
notebooks is forecast, taking total sales to 41 million.
Consumers appear enticed by the affordability of smaller laptops, balancing functionality with price and allowing users to access
internet on the move.