Canalys: PC Market Grows 19.2%, with the help of Tablets

According to eWeek, Canalys, a research firm specializing in obtaining technology data, believes tablets such as Apple’s (News - Alert) iPad should be included in the discussion of the worldwide PC market. Thanks to the inclusion of tablets; the PC market is looking robust, as is Apple’s place in it. 

Canalys also reported how Apple captured the worldwide PC market’s No. 3 position during the fourth quarter of 2010. By the firm’s count, Apple shipped 11.5 million units during the quarter — compared to 3.4 million a year earlier — for 10.8 percent market share. Second-ranking Acer shipped 11.5 million units, for 12.8 percent market share, while top-ranking Hewlett-Packard (News - Alert) shipped 18.7 million units to capture 17.7 percent of the market.

In a statement, Canalys’ Tim Coulling said, “Recessionary budgets are over for most companies, and IT expenditure is again being used as a catalyst for growth.”

“The performance of the corporate market, however, contrasts starkly with the decline in public sector expenditure in most Western countries. The big service-led companies, which profited greatly from huge government-led contracts, are in for a tough 2011,” he added.

In related news, China’s computer giant Lenovo and Japan’s No. 1 PC manufacturer NEC (News - Alert) Corp., have announced a strategic partnership to create a joint PC venture between the two companies.

According to the partners, this new PC group will be the largest in Japan. By joining forces with expanded distribution channels, the new joint venture gives both Lenovo (News - Alert) and NEC a unique opportunity to grow their commercial and consumer PC businesses in Japan, the third largest PC market in the world. The transaction is expected to close by June 30.

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