Surveys Show PC Sales Growing At Brisk Pace

By Agence France-Presse Global sales of personal computers grew at a stronger-than-expected pace of 13% to 15% in the second quarter, two market research firms said. International Data Corp. (IDC), Framingham, Mass., said last week its quarterly survey showed that strong demand in Europe and better-than-expected results in Canada and Latin America boosted shipments to 39.7 million, representing 15% growth. A separate survey by Stamford, Conn.'s Gartner Inc. said its preliminary data showed worldwide PC shipments totaled 43 million units in the second quarter of 2004, a 13.3% increase over the same period last year. "Despite warnings from some sectors of the information technology industry, the recovery seems to be holding steady for now," said IDC analyst Roger Kay. "Consumers remain excited by digital media, and commercial organizations are in the full flood of PC replacement. This trend should persist at least through the end of the year." Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2004