IDC: PC growth to slow down to 0.9 percent in 2012 [Video]

The research firm expects PC shipments to grow by 6.5 percent in 2013

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Growth in the PC market is expected to be slower than last year, after mid-year shipments slowed as consumers were hit by weak economic conditions, and also postponed purchases to evaluate Windows 8 and Ultrabook products while considering spending on media tablets and smartphones, IDC said.

The PC market is expected to grow by only 0.9 percent this year, down from 1.7 percent last year, although growth may pick up to 6.5 percent in 2013, the research firm said on Thursday.

Global PC shipments during the year are forecast to be 367 million with portable PCs accounting for 214 million units, IDC said. “Product updates later this year should revive PC growth, but it will be a more pronounced competitive environment and there is likely to be some confusion among buyers about new product features as well …