FRAMINGHAM, Mass. -- Reflecting weak demand for computers from both consumer and business users, International Data Corp. (IDC) here today lowered its PC market forecasts for 2002 and 2003.
Total worldwide PC shipments are now expected to reach 135.5 million units in 2002, a 1.1% growth rate over 2001, according to IDF. In 2001, PC shipments were 134.1 million units, down 4.2% over 2000, according to the Framingham-based research firm.
In 2003, worldwide PC shipments are projected to hit 147 million units, an 8.4% growth rate over 2002, according to IDF of Framingham. The numbers were reduced from the June forecast for growth of 4.7% in 2002 and 11.1% in 2003, according to IDF.
In the U.S. market, PC shipments are expected to hit 46.3 million units in 2002, up 0.5% over 2001, according to IDC. In 2001, the U.S. PC market fell by 11.4%, according to the firm. In 2003, the U.S. PC market is expected to reach 48.3 million units, up 4.2% over 2002.
The public sector and small-business segments continue to grow in the PC sector, but medium and large-business has been very
slow, particularly in the U.S. and Europe. Consumer demand, which accounts for roughly a third of PC shipments, also remains weak.
"The momentum we saw coming into the second quarter has all but
disappeared as businesses continue to postpone PC investments and consumer spending has slowed," said Loren Loverde, who tracks the market for IDC.
"Growth in consumer spending could make a big difference
in the rest the year, but current signs point to cautious buyers and slow growth," Loverde said. "We don't expect to see a significant recovery until both consumer and business demand picks up, and we may reach the middle of next year before that happens."
RSS
Digital
10 emerging technologies to watch:
EE Times has compiled a list of emerging technologies that we think will be worth watching out for in 2010. Biofeedback or thought-control of electronics are among the contenders.
Hot applications in 2010:
We've compiled a list of 10 technology applications you should watch for in 2010, ranging from e-book readers to 3-D TVs. We examine the features that make these apps so compelling as well unresolved issues.
Top 25 predictions for semis in 2010:
2010 is just beginning to unfold in the electronics industry. Looking into our crystal ball, we have released our own chip forecasts--and other predictions--for 2010.
Seven things to fix in 2010:
The editors of EE Times came up with their own informal list of things we hope engineers fix in 2010, spanning everything from nano-lithography to space travel. What do you want to see get done this year?
'09 moves that are shaping the future:
This was a brutal year, but the industry gets a nod for showing grace under fire. Here's our Top 10 guide to the coming year, illustrating what to expect in 2010.
10 CEOs out in 2009:
It's been a tough year for the global electronics industry and CEOs. We survey the dismissal of 10 industry CEOs during the first three quarters of 2009 and what's ahead for the rest of the year.
Notable women in microelectronics:
There is no better time than a global economic recession to examine the keys to successful corporate governance. So, EE Times has compiled an international list that celebrates women who are business and technology leaders in semis.
EE Times updates Silicon 60:
Seventeen companies have been added to the lastest version of our Silicon 60 list of emerging startups. Forty-three companies survived as emerging companies that are still worth watching.
RSS| 
Digital| 
Mobile
