IDC boosts projection for PC shipments

Research company IDC on Wednesday elevated its PC-shipment forecast for 2004 by about 3 million units. The company, which revises its predictions on a quarterly basis, bumped its forecast to 175.4 million units, up from its projection last quarter of 172.1 million units. Additionally, IDC has made a similar adjustment to its forecast for 2005. The company now predicts PC shipments of 194.1 million units worldwide, up from a previous forecast of 191.4 million, the company said in a statement.

IDC predicts that while PC makers will enjoy double-digit growth rates in 2004 and 2005--thanks to a wave of businesses and consumers upgrading older machines--growth in 2006 and beyond will be more moderate. The company predicts an annual growth rate of 8 percent for 2006 and lower rates toward the end of the decade. By comparison, its unit-shipment projections for 2004 and 2005 represent growth rates of 13.5 percent and 10.7 percent, respectively.