New figures from market analysts IDC have revealed an unexpected rise in
desktop PC sales. The improved
desktop sales helped drive a 15.2 per cent increase in global
PC shipments in the fourth quarter of 2009 as compared with the same quarter in 2008. IDC research manager David Daoud said there were a number of reasons for the increase, while IDC suggested the increase may signify that the PC industry has emerged from the economic downturn.
There were a total of 85.8 million units shipped during the fourth quarter of 2009, and while desktops were more popular, most of the shipments derived from
laptop and
netbook sales. Low cost
notebooks were particularly popular once again, with IDC forecasting portable PC shipments will reach 126.2 million in 2009. The launch of
Microsoft Windows 7 was said to be a significant factor in the growth, which was common across the world.
While the figures represent good news for computer manufacturers and retailers, the demand for low-cost
laptops has eroded the profit margins of PC makers.
Hewlett Packard retained the largest market share, with a 23.3 per cent increase in shipments giving them a 21 per cent market share with their 18 million sales.