International Data Corp.’s 2003 worldwide PC shipment forecast has the U.S. consumer market enjoying double-digit growth through the end of the year, while the commercial channel will continue to lag.
IDC is projecting 18.7 million units to ship into the consumer segment this year, a 10.8 percent increase over 2002. This trend is expected to continue into 2004 when 21.2 million units will ship, a 13.5 percent jump, according to IDC’s data. If these figures hold true, 2004 would mark the third consecutive year of growth for the U.S. consumer PC industry after the 19.6 percent drop of 2001.
U.S. commercial shipments will rise a paltry 2.3 percent, but should rebound next year with a 9 percent increase.
Worldwide consumer shipments this year will be 51.9 million units, up 6.5 percent, and will hit 10.5 percent next year with 57.3 million units shipping.
