PC shipments will grow 12.6% in 2010
Windows 7, MIcrosoft's new operating system, will help drive PC sales
By James Carbone -- Purchasing, 10/15/2009 2:00:00 AM
Worldwide PC shipments will increase 12.6% in 2010 as consumers, businesses and schools replace old computers with new models, many of them equipped with Windows 7, Microsoft's new operating system, according to Gartner.
However, shipments in 2009 will decline 2% to 285 million units in 2009. Earlier Gartner had forecast a 6% decline in PC shipments for 2009.
The forecast changed because of stronger than expected PC sales in the third quarter, according to George Shiffler, research director at Gartner. Fourth quarter shipments should be stronger than shipments in the fourth quarter of 2008, according to Gartner.
However, strong fourth quarter shipments won't be enough to drive unit shipments in 2009 above 2008 shipments. PC units declined 4.4% in the first half of 2009 compared to the first half of 2008. For PC shipments to post growth for the year, shipments would have to grow at least 4% in the second half of 2009 compared with the second half of 2008. Gartner analysts said that scenario is not likely even if Windows 7 is well received when it is released Oct. 22.
Windows 7 may drive some home and small business PC sales in 2009, but larger business, governments and educational institutions won't be buying computers with Windows 7 until next year.
Gartner says PC unit shipments will increase 12.6% next year as demand for mobile PCs grows and there is some positive growth for desktop PCs.
See also: PC shipments worldwide will be down
PC shipments will grow 12.6% in 2010
09/22/2009Gartner: PC shipments to fall in 2009
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