Asia Pacific PC Market Kicks Off the Year With 38 Percent Growth in First Quarter, IDC Reports

IDC's preliminary results show that the Asia Pacific (excluding Japan) PC market grew 1 percent sequentially and 38 percent year-on-year in 1Q10 to surpass forecasts by almost 5 percent. Consumer notebooks remained the key driver, lifting almost all countries in the region to a double-digit year-on-year growth.

"The sun is really shining now with economic confidence improving by the day," said Bryan Ma, Director of Asia Pacific Devices and Peripherals Research at IDC. "Regardless of whether consumers really latch onto tablets later this year or not, the need for consumers in Asia to be connected online is tremendous enough to keep pushing the PC market ahead."

The sustained political crisis in Thailand created consumer uncertainty in March, but fortunately public sector projects there continued to move ahead during the quarter.

The "PCs to the Countryside” and "Obsolete Replacement” programs in China continued to support the region's largest country, while key markets such as Australia came in ahead of forecasts due to consumer notebook sales. Lenovo sustained its top position despite the seasonal Lunar New Year slowdown, while ASUS forged ahead in the quarter, riding on its strong performance in China.

"Despite the back-to-school season and IT Show held in Singapore, demand was not as strong as expected, especially in the notebook segment,” said Reuben Tan, Senior Manager of Asia Pacific Client Devices Research at IDC. "As a result, the Singapore PC market came in below forecasts with a 1 percent sequential drop."

"As expected, the Hong Kong market in 1Q10 was buoyed by several fulfillments in the government sector," said Kathy Sin, Manager of Asia Pacific Client Devices Research at IDC. "Moreover, improving economic conditions in Hong Kong have kept retail momentum going, driving the market to a 20 percent year-on-year increase and a total that is close to expectations.”

www.idc.com