Though the growth of PC shipments in the first quarter of 2012 is expected to be modest, the excitement created around ultrabooks and the launch of Windows 8 should make us expect a strong second quarter, says International Data Corporation (IDC) in its Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker.
The worldwide PC shipment growth for the year 2011 grew by 1.8% compared to the year 2010.
The research firm avers that developed markets such as the United States and Western Europe had a gloomy year in 2011, as PC shipments here fell by 9% compared to 2010.
IDC expects 2012 PC growth also to be modest at just 5% for the year, with most of it occurring in the second quarter.
IDC Clients and Displays vice president Bob O’Donnell says many consumers are holding off making PC purchases at the moment because tablet devices like Apple’s iPad are proving to be a powerful distraction.
"However, end user surveys tell us that few people consider media tablets as replacements for their PCs, so later this year when there is a new Microsoft operating system, available in sleek new PC form factors, we believe consumer interest in PCs will begin to rebound," said Donnell.
The IDC, however, has reduced its outlook for some emerging economies, as the forecast for the year 2012 for China has been lowered to 9%, the first time a single-digit growth has been forecast.
IDC also cautions against export slowdown which might affect PC spending as both consumers and SMBs in emerging markets may reduce their spending.
