Apple accounted for nearly ten per cent of US computer sales in the last quarter, according to market researcher Gartner, however it asserts that Apple’s lack of investment in the netbook sector could cause problems in the future.During the last quarter, Apple sold 1.63 million units, a 29 per cent increase over the same period last year, while quarterly sales accounted for 9.5 per cent of total sales in the US.
However, Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa is reported to have warned that Apple faces reduced market growth if it doesn’t join the notebook market, which currently accounts for five per cent of the US market. The devices have been growing in popularity due to a combination of functionality and low retail prices.
“Even though Apple lowered prices, it’s still above other laptops in the US,” commented Kitagawa, citing the MacBook, which despite its lower price is still considerably more expensive than the average notebook – costing at least $999.
“Netbook prices are even lower, less than $500 and averaging $349 to $399. That’s bringing down the average selling price. I don’t know how Apple can play there.”
Although Apple’s growth rate continues to outstrip the US average, growth in the last quarter was six times the average compared to ten times in the same period last year.
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