Global PC shipments rose by 2.9% to reach 296 million units in 2009 and poised for double-digit growth over the period of next five years, according to market research firm IDC.
The firm said that portable PCs remained the key market driver for the year with shipments increasing 18.4% in 2009 compared to 2008. Consumer purchases of portable PCs grew by 38.5%
Jay Chou, research analyst of Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker at IDC, said: PC volume continued to grow in 2009 – fairing much better than in 2001, when a smaller recession produced a decline in PC volume. The positive 2009 results reflect lower prices and the fact that PCs are increasingly a must-have product.”
IDC predicts PC market to resume expansion in 2010 with global growth of 12.6%. Emerging regions, which have been instrumental in reviving the market, are expected to maintain course, growing 18.5% in 2010 and overtake mature markets in volume during 2010 and beyond, while mature markets are expected to see 2010 come in at 7.2%, with double digit volume growth resuming in 2011.
According to IDC, portable PCs will remain the driver of growth across consumer and commercial segments, accounting for 70% share of PCs by 2012, while desktop PCs will see a decline across all regions except Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan), resulting in slightly positive yearly growth throughout the forecast period.
The Americas PC market grew by 6.7% in 2009 from 2008 with 70 million units shipped in the year, mainly driven by portable PCs with 42.5 million, while desktop PCs shipped for the year were 27.5 million.
Bob O’Donnell, vice president of clients and displays at IDC, said: IDC is keenly focused on the forthcoming tablet device market. However, we don’t expect these products – which do not meet the current IDC definition of a PC – will stunt the strong growth in PCs we’re expecting to see this year.
