Worldwide personal computer sales grew 16% over the first quarter, compared to 13% year-on-year growth in the fourth quarter of 1996, according to International Data Corp, which it puts down to the arrival of new products such as MMX-based and sub-$1,000 desktops that spurred upgrades and attracted first time buyers. The US saw unit shipments increase by 20%, the best quarterly growth rate since 1995, making it the fastest growth of any major region. Compaq Computer Corp led the way yet again, followed by IBM Corp and Dell Computer Corp, both in the US and worldwide.
