Number of Microprocessors Shipping for Notebooks to Exceed Those for Desktops Late 2008, Early 2009
8 May 2008
The personal computer (PC) microprocessor market is heading for an inflection point in late 2008 or early 2009, when, for the first time, the number of microprocessors shipping for notebook PCs will exceed those shipping for desktop PCs, reports In-Stat. This is not to say that the desktop PC market is dead, however, the high-tech market research firm says. In fact, the desktop PC market will continue to experience single-digit growth rates for several years, but have a short hiatus in 2008 and 2009 when the growth will be less than one percent due to US macroeconomic pressures and the subsequent global fallout.
"In the long-run, desktop PCs will see growth in developing economies because of the extreme price sensitivities and in commercial applications through the growth of smaller form factors," says Jim McGregor, In-Stat Principal Analyst. "Richer content over the Internet and changing usage models will also drive overall market growth in the future."
Recent research by In-Stat found the following:
Growth in developing economies will continue to drive growth in both mobile and desktop PCs in the future.
UMDs will not impact mobile PCs or smartphones until after 2010.
The already intensely competitive rivalry between Intel and AMD will become yet more intense and price competitive as each side continues to try to gain an advantage over the other.
The research, "Intel and AMD Adapt to a Changing PC Marketplace," covers the worldwide market for PC processors. It provides competitive comparisons between Intel's and AMD's strategies, capabilities, platforms and technologies. It also includes analysis of, and forecasts of, the worldwide desktop and mobile PC markets through 2012.
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