Framingham, Mass. - IDC expects PC shipments to be stronger in the second half of 2012 due to the launch of Windows 8, but overall tablets sales will hold PC shipment growth to 5 percent.

IDC noted the main growth areas for PCs will be in emerging markets. In mature markets desktops will see flat to declining growth through 2016 with laptops continuing to grow at a steady pace during that period.

The research firm was bearish on the first half of 2012 stating only modest growth is expected.

The company noted that the PC market had a tough 2011 with worldwide growth of just 1.8 percent. This was due to continued worldwide economic difficulties and growing tablet sales, said IDC.

."Many consumers are holding off making PC purchases at the moment because tablet devices like Apple's iPad are proving to be a powerful distraction," according to Bob O'Donnell, clients and displays VP at IDC.

However, O'Donnell added that IDC's surveys indicate consumer do not see a tablet as a PC replacement so consumer interest could rebound with the introduction of Windows 8, which is rumored to be released in the fall.

PC Shipments by Region and Form Factor, 2011-2016 (Shipments in millions)  Region Form Factor 2011 2012* 2013* 2014* 2015* 2016* Emerging Markets Desktop PC 91.2 93 98.2 102.5 105.4 108.2 Emerging Markets Portable PC 110 122.3 140.4 164.2 189.2 214.7 Emerging Markets Total PC 201.2 215.4 238.6 266.7 294.5 322.9                 Mature Markets Desktop PC 52.8 51.6 51.7 50.7 50.2 48.8 Mature Markets Portable PC 99.4 104.1 116.2 128.2 139 146.6 Mature Markets Total PC 152.1 155.7 167.8 178.9 189.1 195.4                 Worldwide Desktop PC 144 144.6 149.9 153.2 155.6 157 Worldwide Portable PC 209.4 226.4 256.6 292.4 328.2 361.3 Worldwide Total PC 353.3 371.1 406.4 445.6 483.6 518.3 Source: IDC Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, February 2012