PC shipments edge up 2 percent in 3rd quarter, analyst sees stronger improvement ahead
By APWednesday, October 14, 2009
PC shipments gain in 3Q, a good sign for holidays
SEATTLE — Researchers say worldwide shipments of personal computers edged back up in the third quarter, a promising sign for the holiday shopping season.
PC shipments had fallen during the first six months of the year as the recession inhibited spending by consumers and businesses. On Wednesday, however, analysts at IDC said PC shipments from July through September rose 2 percent from the same period of last year. Consumers kept buying the low-cost laptops and tiny netbooks that have been the bright spot in the industry.
IDC says such growth ahead of the Oct. 22 launch of Windows 7 bodes well for the fourth quarter and next year.
Hewlett-Packard Co. held its spot as the world’s biggest computer maker. Taiwan’s Acer Inc. unseated Dell Inc. at No. 2.
