Survey: Europe Overthrows U.S. As King of PC Market

In 2005, worldwide personal computer (PCs) purchases rose 15 percent, and Europe overtook the U.S as the world’s largest market for PC sales, according to a survey by Gartner, a market research group, Reuters reports.

European, Middle Eastern and African shipments increased by 17.1 percent to 72.7 million units, overthrowing the U.S., which grew 7.5 percent to 67 million.  In 2004, the U.S. just barely held its lead over Europe, with both regions shipping roughly 62 million units.

Global sales of PCs rose to 218.5 million units in 2005, up from 189.5 million, and number one in PC sales, Dell stretched its lead over number two Hewlett-Packard, growing its shipments by 18.5 percent in 2005.  Dell’s worldwide market share ended at 16.8 percent compared to 16.4 percent in 2004.

China-based Lenovo took third place, increasing its market share to 6.9 percent from 6.8 percent.

The most rapid growth in 2005 occurred in the Asia Pacific and Latin America regions.  Sales in these areas increased 26 percent to 42.8 million and 14.7 million units, respectively.

Both U.S. fourth quarter results and the Gartner survey imply that U.S. professional market replacement cycle has reached its pinnacle.  “Both small and mid-sized business and enterprise markets showed softness in demand,” said Gartner analyst Mika Kitagawa.

–Al Sacco