Worldwide PC shipments are projected to rise by 12.6 percent this year to 257.5 million units, according to Framingham, Mass-based market research firm IDC.

This figure represents a slight increase from the firm’s previous forecast, and reflects a 28 percent year-on-year increase in portable PC volume with single-digit increases for desktops and x86 servers, and also increases projections for 2007 by less than half a point from the June forecast of 12.2 percent and increases the compound annual growth rate for 2006 to 2011 from 9.3 to 9.6 percent.

Asia/Pacific excluding Japan (APeJ) and rest of world regions are driving the raised expectations, IDC said. 

Strong growth during Q2 showed not only relentless adoption of consumer portable PCs, but also gains in desktop and commercial markets, whereas, the U.S., Western Europe, and Japan adjusted expectations for 2007 and 2008 slightly downward, pushing some growth into 2009, the firm pointed out.

With slower growth in more developed markets and strong gains in emerging regions, IDC notes that the focus of the PC market is shifting rapidly to less-developed markets. Both APeJ and rest of world regions are now expected to surpass Western Europe in total PC shipment volume in 2007 and will pass the United States in 2009.

IDC said strong growth should be expected for the next several years, with double-digit increases expected through 2009. The shift to mobility will continue to drive growth, as portable PCs are expected to represent more than 50 percent of shipment value during 2007 and more than half of worldwide volume by 2009. "Portable share of PC clients will reach 68 percent of volume in the United States and Western Europe by 2011, 44 percent in APeJ and rest of world, and 55 percent overall,” said Loren Loverde, director of IDC’s worldwide quarterly PC tracker, in a statement.

Further, David Daoud, research manager for IDC’s worldwide quarterly PC tracker and personal systems research commented that the U.S. market should maintain growth in mid-single digits through most of the forecast. While some pressure on spending related to the debt crunch may constrain 2008, aggressive competition for fast growing consumer demand, as well as resurgent commercial spending will help fuel growth. 

"Acer and Lenovo’s geographic expansion, combined with Dell’s reorganization and HP’s defense of its share gains will make for a dynamic and competitive market. Smaller vendors are likely to face even more pressure going forward as the largest players consolidate share and reposition themselves," he concluded.

By: DocMemory
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