Windows Vistahas failed to revitalise the PC industry, and without a
“killer application” to drive
new PC sales, manufacturers are instead concentrating on
emerging markets.
Analyst Gartner said
global PC shipments in 2007 are forecast to total about 257 million
units, an 11.1% increase on 2006 shipments, largely driven by
demand in developing countries.
Much of the growth in emerging markets is being driven by new PC
penetration and not replacement purchases, said Gartner.
Emerging markets such as Eastern Europe, India and China are
expected to account for around 25% of all PC shipments in 2007 and
2008, said the analyst.
George Shiffler, an analyst at Gartner, said, “The release of
Windows Vista at the end of January has, so far, failed to
stimulate the market in the way many hoped.”
He said, “Our market data suggests Vista has had very limited
impact on PC demand or replacement activity.
We do not see Vista having a significant effect on these going
forward, unless Microsoft becomes much more aggressive in its
marketing efforts.”
Gartner >>
The full Gartner report for subscribers >>
Vista predicted to have no effect on PC sales >>
Microsoft offers free Vista upgrades to XP users >>
Comment on this article:
computer.weekly@rbi.co.uk