Market research firm Gartner has reduced its PC shipment forecast for this year and next, predicting the growing popularity of tablet computers such as Apple's iPad will cut into the demand for consumer laptops. Gartner said it expects global PC shipments of 387.8 million in 2011, up 10.5% from 2010. Previously, Gartner predicted 15.9% growth.
In 2012, Gartner now thinks 440.6 million PCs will be shipped, up 13.6% from 2011. Its earlier estimate called for 14.8% growth.
Gartner said that while consumer laptop shipments have climbed an average of 40% annually in the past five years, the availability of internet access on various mobile devices means consumers are not as tied to laptops for getting on the web.
Source: orange