Mobile Computers Drive Global PC Shipment Growth

Worldwide PC shipments reached 71.9 million units in the second quarter of 2008, a 16 percent increase from the second quarter of 2007, according to preliminary results by Gartner.

“Mobile PCs continued to lead unit growth across all regions as the average selling price (ASP) of mobile PCs declined sharply relative to desk-based PC ASPs,” said Mika Kitagawa, principal analyst for Gartner’s Client Computing Markets group. “Economic uncertainties have hit PC revenues, resulting in steep ASP declines, especially in markets such as the United States and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The industry could ultimately see a significant wave of consolidation if stronger vendors continue to press their pricing advantage.”

HP continued to maintain the number one position with its worldwide PC shipment market share totaling 18.1 percent in the second quarter of 2008. HP’s growth rate exceeded the industry average in the worldwide market, and its growth rate was a little above the industry average in the US.

Dell had another strong quarter with worldwide PC shipments increasing 21.9 percent in the second quarter of 2008 and its market share reaching 15.6 percent. The company’s growth was fuelled by its expansion into retail and other indirect channels. Preliminary results show Dell achieved over 40 percent year-over-year growth in mobile shipments for two consecutive quarters.

In Asia/Pacific, PC shipments totalled 20.1 million units, up 18.1 percent from the second quarter of last year. In the professional market, there was not a significant slowdown in PC purchases as replacements and capital investments continued, benefitting multinational vendors such as HP, Dell and Lenovo. Mobile PC shipments grew 45.6 percent in the quarter.