Global computer sales up 17 percent in quarter: analysts

0 Comments | AFP, October, 2005

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Global computer sales rose at least 17 percent in the past quarter, ahead of most earlier projections, driven by strong demand for mobile PCs and lower prices, two research firms said.

Gartner said late Monday that worldwide personal computer shipments totaled 55 million units in the third quarter, up 17.2 percent from a year ago.

A separate report from International Data Corp. pegged the increase in the third quarter at 17.1 percent to 52.8 million.

"Strong market growth continued to be driven by lower prices and mobility in the third quarter," said Charles Smulders, vice president of Gartner.

"These factors sped up new PC adoption and replacement activities. Overall market growth exceeded expectations, with home demand for mobile...