Digital Lifescapes

The personal computer sector is stuck in a downturn. Worldwide shipments of personal computing devices (PCDs) -- including a combination of desktop, notebook, and workstation PCs, plus slate and detachable tablets -- are forecast to decline from a total of 435 million units in 2016 to 405.2 million units in 2021, according to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC). This latest forecast represents a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -1.4 percent. IDC reduced its overall PCD forecast from the previous version by up to 3 percent depending on the year, with the largest reductions coming from the media tablet product categories. PC Market Development Remains Bleak Always the optimist, IDC analysts now believe that the troubled market could return to an overall growth trajectory in 2019. Led by a modest recovery in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia-Pacific regions within the first quarter of 2017, the traditional PC market registered ...

As anticipated, performance of the personal computer (PC) market in 2013 is in line with earlier forecasts -- following the significant trends of last year -- with a few exceptions. According to the latest global market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), their assessment reveals slower than expected growth in China during the first quarter of 2013 (1Q13). Although the slowdown is partially due to the timing of Chinese New Year and other expected factors, new budget cuts from the government as well as anti-corruption measures are slowing purchases more than expected. March should recover somewhat in China, but not enough to offset the weak February results. With China now the top PC market worldwide -- accounting for over 21 percent of global shipments in 2012 -- the slow February results and likely impact on March are expected to lower first quarter global PC shipments by roughly 2 percent from recent forecasts. Other monthly results indicate close-to-forecast mar...

The overall PC market will grow by just 0.9 percent in 2012, as mid-year shipments slow and the global outlook continues to be bleak. According to the latest market study by International Data Corporation ( IDC ), 367 million PCs will ship into the market this year -- that's up just a fraction of a percent from 2011, marking the second consecutive year of growth below 2 percent. Slowing growth in the Asia-Pacific region has reduced the impact of emerging market growth, while more mature regions -- such as the United States -- have seen volume actually decline. People that were surveyed are apparently considering spending on other consumer electronics products -- such as media tablets and smartphones. IDC believes that product updates planned for later this year should help to revive PC growth, but I'm not convinced. The competitive environment is likely to entice buyers to get the most value for their money -- clearly, that's unlikely to be expensive new Ultrabooks that...

The worldwide personal computer (PC) market is forecast to grow at 5 percent year-over-year in 2012. According to the latest market study by International Data Corporation (IDC), nearly 383 million PCs will ship into the market this year. That's a slight improvement over the tepid growth seen in 2011 -- as PC sales continue to falter amidst intensifying competition from alternative devices and a highly volatile global economy. In addition to rising consumer saturation in mature regions, economic uncertainty -- as well as the anticipated launch of Microsoft Windows 8 -- and growth of competing media tablet devices are the key factors affecting the market outlook. With the threat of a relapse into recession in several markets adversely affecting public spending and business confidence, the 2012 forecast for several key segments has been reduced -- especially among small and medium-sized firms. IDC believes that Windows 8 could help to reinvigorate a consumer market that has l...