PC sales remain strong: computers are not a luxury

According to a recent report by Gartner sales of PCs across the globe have increased almost 1/5 over the previous year from 308.3 million to 376.6 million.

When it comes to revenue the market saw a 12% growth to $245.4 billion explained by the stable demand among consumers in the developed nations who treat computers as a necessity.

Ranjit Atwal, principal research analyst at Gartner, said: "PC demand in the consumer segment continues to strengthen even though the global economy remains uncertain." He said larger businesses were expected to start PC replacement programmes in the second half of 2010 with migration to Windows 7 lasting until 2012.

Meantime, the figures also show the strong demand for mini-notebooks with the signs of maturing. Shipments are forecast to be 41.8 million in 2010, up 30 per cent on 2009.

Regionally over half of PC growth will come from the US and China in 2011.