PC vendors need to brace for 2005: Gartner

“The PC industry in Australia will grow this year, but it will most likely be in the mid-single digit range,” said Andy Woo, principal analyst for Gartner’s client platform group.

In comparison, at the end of 2004 PC shipments in Australia reached 3.3 million, a 14.7 percent increase from 2003.

Adoption of mobile PCs in Australia proved strong, with a market growth rate of 43.2 percent compared to 2003.

 “Driven by aggressive pricing and promotions, the mobile PC segment is clearly catching up with desktops as an alternative platform,” Woo said.

Gartner analysts said the PC industry in Australia has experienced three years of double-digit growth, but PC vendors must brace for slower growth in 2005.

“PC vendors will face a much more difficult year in 2005, as replacement sales will slow down in the enterprise segment, while rising interest rates may impact the consumer market,” Woo said.