SYDNEY, 24 SEPTEMBER 2009 - Global sales of personal computer are recovering after a difficult year, according to new data released by market analysts at Gartner.
The figures show PC shipments are on track to reach 285 million units in 2009, which is only a 2 per cent decline on 2008 numbers. This forecast is significantly rosier than Gartner's last survey in June, which had predicted a 6 per cent decline.
Gartner research director George Shiffler said PC demand was much stronger than three months ago, particularly in the US and China.
"Mobile PC shipments have regained substantial momentum," he said. "Especially in emerging markets, and the decline in desk-based PC shipments is slowing down.
"We think shipments are likely to be growing again in the fourth quarter of 2009 compared to the fourth quarter of 2008."
PC shipments fell 4.4 per cent in the first half of this year, compared with the last comparable period.
"We don't expect the release of Windows 7 to significantly influence PC demand at year-end," Mr Shiffler said. "At best, Windows 7 may generate a modest bump in home demand and possibly some added demand among small businesses."
Gartner does not expect big business to really latch on to the new operating system until 2010.
Mr Shiffler predicted a 12.6 per cent growth in PC shipments for 2010.
"However, we don't see the ongoing decline in PC average selling prices slowing down significantly next year," he observed. "So spending is likely to be more or less flat in 2010."
