PC sales tipped for recovery

Sales of PCs in the US this year will be greater than previously expected, thanks to a surprise increase in demand from home users.

IDC has revised its expectations for 2002, claiming it is seeing increasing evidence the PC sector is set for recovery.

It has upped its forecast for shipments in the US, which accounts for about a third of worldwide sales, from growth of 1.8 per cent to three per cent, or just over 125 million units.

But this is not necessarily the good news it appears to be for PC manufacturers. The ongoing price war in the States has meant consumers are spending less and getting more for their money.

As a result, revenue from sales is still expected to be down on last year - but not by as much as originally anticipated. It is now thought manufacturers will see a 7.9 per cent drop rather than the 8.7 per cent the industry had predicted.

However, the picture in Europe isn't quite so cheery. Following last year's drop in shipments of five percent, the region is only expected to muster figures that are flat with 2001.