Global PC shipments grew 24.2% to 79 million units in the first quarter of 2010, compared to 63.7 million in the same period last year, according to IDC.
The firm said that both desktop and portable PC shipments exceeded expectations, with solid growth rates driven by sustained consumer demand and renewed commercial buying.
IDC said that the US market was not able to maintain the spike of growth (more than 24%) seen in 4Q09, while Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA) recorded a strong first quarter as CEMA continues to recover. Japan saw yearly growth of 16.6% and Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) region gained over 33% compared to a year ago.
HP gained the top spot in worldwide PC shipments, accounting for 19.7% of the total market share, while Acer gained the second spot with 13.6% market share. Dell took the third place with PC shipments increasing 21.1%, representing 13.3% market share, Lenovo gained fourth spot with 8.8% market share, followed by Toshiba with 5.8% of the total market share, respectively.
In the US, PC shipments totaled 17.5 million units, an increase of 16.9% from the first quarter of 2009. HP gained top position in the US market, while Dell retained the second spot with 24.1% market share. Acer, Toshiba and Apple accounted for 13.1%, 8.6% and 6.4%, respectively.
Loren Loverde, vice president of IDC Worldwide Trackers, said: The strong first quarter builds on the fourth quarter rebound and shows rising confidence in the PC supply chain and commercial client base along with persistent demand from consumers. The commercial gains are a cornerstone of market rebound that we’ve been expecting and are now seeing in the data.
“Despite continued strengthening of commercial demand and solid consumer and emerging market results, year-on-year growth is likely to slow in coming quarters as year-ago comparisons get more difficult. This is part of an expected recovery trend that should include strong second quarter performance and lift growth for the year to 15% or higher.
