PC market expected to continue double-digit growth

Worldwide PC shipments are projected to grow by 12.8% in 2008 to reach 302 million units, according to IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker. Growth will continue at above 11% in 2009 followed by high single-digit growth through 2012, boosting annual shipments to over 426 million in 2012. Overall volume growth, combined with a steady transition to portable PCs, which generally cost more than desktops, will help offset falling average prices. The total value of PC shipments are projected to grow by 7.4% in 2008 to nearly $280 billion, while shipment value will continue to grow by roughly 4% annually from 2009 through 2012, reaching nearly $330 billion by 2012.