Global personal computer sales will barely feel the effects of Microsoft's decision to push its Windows Vista operating system launch back to 2007, according to a forecast released Monday by International Data Corp. (IDC).
IDC trimmed its 2006 PC market growth projection only slightly, to 10.5 percent from a prior estimate of 10.6 percent. The research firm expects some consumers to hold off on purchases until Vista arrives, but anticipates the delay will merely shift a modest volume of sales from late 2006 into early 2007 rather than eliminate them altogether.
Looking further ahead, IDC projects shipment growth of roughly 10 percent annually over the next several years, a notable step down from the 15-plus percent gains recorded during the previous two years. Falling computer prices will also constrain market value growth to under five percent.
Within the United States, the shift from desktop to portable computers remains the primary growth engine. IDC analyst Richard Shim noted that lower prices, better battery life, and widescreen notebook displays are drawing in new buyers while desktop sales stagnate.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in March 2006, in its own words.