According to research firm Gartner, global PC shipments increased by 13.1% in the first quarter of this year, driven by high demand from emerging markets. A total of 57 million PCs, laptops, and x86 servers were distributed to consumers.
Similarly, research organization IDC also released comparable results, although the specific figures differ slightly.
However, Dell, the world’s leading computer manufacturer, experienced a less successful three months. The Texas-based company saw only a 10.2% increase in sales compared to Q1 2005, resulting in a decline in their global market share from 16.9% to 16.5%. In the U.S. alone, Dell’s PC shipments only fluctuated by 0.2%, while the average growth rate was 7.4%, leading to a market share of 29.8% (down from 32%).
According to Gartner expert Charles Smulders, this notable decline is attributed to Dell’s previously rapid growth outpacing the overall market for many years. They have not shipped PCs this slowly since Q3 2001. “Dell’s sales may have peaked. Additionally, they are overly reliant on Intel while competitors have gradually embraced AMD products and consistently reduced device prices,” Smulders remarked.
Competitor Hewlett-Packard has increased its shipments by 22.3% compared to the same period last year. Consequently, their market share rose to 14.9% in Q1 from 13.8% a year ago. HP currently holds 18.5% of the U.S. PC market.
Acer, ranking fourth, has become the fastest-growing company globally in Q1 2006. The Taiwanese manufacturer increased its shipments by up to 45% and captured 5% market share worldwide. Lenovo stands third with a 6% market share.
Gartner also emphasized that in the processing device sector, AMD continues to expand its market share gained from Intel for seven consecutive quarters.
