Global PC sales up 13 percent in quarter
Worldwide personal computer shipments grew some 13 percent in the first quarter, holding above most projections, market research firms reported.
A survey released late Wednesday by Gartner showed a 13.1 percent increase in PC shipments over the same period last year, according to preliminary statistics.
A separate report by International Data Corp. (IDC) showed a 12.9 percent expansion with nearly all regions in line or slightly ahead of forecasts for the first quarter.
According to Gartner, most regions performed as expected with the exception of the US, which showed strong home desktop demand.
"In the first quarter of 2006, emerging markets and consumer demand in the mature regions were the major growth engines on a worldwide basis," said Gartner's Charles Smulders.
"Mobile demand remains strong worldwide, but in the US desktop consumer market demand increased in response to renewed price competition."
Dell maintained its number one position, with a 16.5 percent market share, while Hewlett Packard was second with 14.9 percent, according to Gartner.
Dell's shipments grew 10.2 percent from the same period a year ago, while Hewlett Packard's grew 22 percent, according to Gartner.
"Market growth ahead of forecasts in almost all regions reflects continuing strong demand," said Loren Loverde at IDC, which had similar figures.
"While this bodes well for the short term, Dell's relatively slow growth may set the stage for more aggressive pricing in coming quarters. While this would help drive volumes, it would not help profitability."
AFP
