PC mkt posts 34% growth in '04: Gartner

The personal computer (PC) market posted a 34.4% growth in CY2004, and recorded the second highest shipment at 33.87 lakh units in the Asia-Pacific region as against 25.21 lakh units shipped during the same period last year, according to Gartner Inc.

"Peaking business confidence based on strong economic growth catalysed PC purchases in both the consumer and corporate segments throughout 2004," Gartner India said in a release today.

While desktops were finding new users in the metro and upcountry markets, notebooks were selling "remarkably well based on convenience and mobility," it said, adding that finance and banking, government and small and medium businesses were the main drivers for growth.

China topped the APAC sector with shipments of around 1.49 crore units even though it posted a lower growth rate of 14.9% in 2004.

India was followed by Vietnam posting a 25.9% growth and New Zealand with a growth rate of 19.8%.