PC shipment figures defy forecasts

PC shipment figures may not be as low this year as previously forecast, with new research revealing that nearly 275 million could be sold through 2009.

Estimates had suggested that the PC industry could show a year-on-year decline of 9.2 per cent by the end of this year, but Gartner has found that the decline could be a lower six per cent as more people buy computers to use VoIP hardware, complete office work and play games.

Indeed, sales could even grow by more than ten per cent and stimulate economic growth by the beginning of next year.

George Shiffler, research director at Gartner, said: "PC unit growth was stronger than we expected in all markets but Eastern Europe in the first quarter of 2009. In particular, consumer shipments were much stronger than we anticipated."

The figures show that the industry could be in a better state than had previously been feared and economic recovery could be easier to pursue.

Research from PayPal reveals that online spending could increase by nearly 140 per cent over the course of the next two years.