PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Worldwide combined shipments of tech devices, including PCs, tablets, mobile phones and ultramobiles, are expected to reach 2.5 billion units in 2015.
According to analyst Gartner, this is a 1.5 per cent increase from 2014, down from 2.6 per cent from the previous quarter’s forecast.
Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner, said: “Our forecast for unit shipment growth for all devices in 2015 has dropped by 1.3 percentage points from last quarter’s estimate.
“This was partly due to a continued slowdown in PC purchases in Western Europe, Russia and Japan in particular, largely due to price increases resulting from local currency devaluation against the dollar."
In contrast, the mobile phone market is showing growth, with the emerging markets driving the smartphone industry, including China who is leading the way.
End user spending on devices will see a 5.7 per cent decline in current US dollars for the first time since 2010.
According to Gartner, the end of migration from Windows XP negatively affected the PC market globally during the first half of 2015, while the US dollar continues to impact on sales.
The global PC shipment market is also expected to total 200 million units in 2015, a decline of 4.5 per cent year-on-year,
Atwal added: "The release of Windows 10 on July 29th will contribute to a slowing professional demand for mobile PCs and premium ultramobiles in 2015, as lifetimes extend by three months. However, as suppliers and buyers adjust to new prices, Windows 10 could boost replacements during 2016."
The ultramobile market, including tablets and clamshells, are estimated to reach 214 million units in 2015, a decline of 5.3 per cent year-on-year.
