Worldwide PC shipments are projected to grow by 12.8 percent in 2008 to reach 302 million units, according to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. The research firm projects growth will continue at above 11 percent in 2009 followed by high single-digit growth through 2012, boosting annual shipments to over 426 million in 2012.
The trend is encouraging given the recent overall economic slowdown, and is fueled by particularly strong demand for notebooks and other portable computers. According to ICD's report, the total value of PC shipments is projected to grow by 7.4 percent in 2008 to nearly $280 billion. Shipment value will continue to grow by roughly 4% annually from 2009 through 2012, reaching nearly $330 billion by 2012.
"The deteriorating economic environment can certainly put a damper on PC growth," says Loren Loverde, Director of IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. "However, fourth quarter growth was the fastest since mid 2005, and we should see continued Portable adoption and PC acquisition by both Commercial and Consumer segments. Replacements in mature regions supported by ongoing rapid growth in new users in emerging regions will add to pervasive technology evolution and falling prices to sustain growth."
For more information from the Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, click here.
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