IDC: PC shipments to increase 11.4% in 2004

Market research group IDC said on Thursday it expects shipments of personal computers to increase 11.4% in 2004, up from its previous forecast for 10.2% growth. The Framingham, Massachusetts company said it sees the value of those shipments rising 4% in 2004. In Q4 2003, which is typically the most important one for personal computer companies because of holiday sales, IDC said it sees growth of 15.3%.

That puts 2003 annual shipment growth up 11.4% from 2002, compared with previous expectations for an 8.4% increase. Total shipments in 2003 are now expected to be more than 152 mil with their total value flat at just over $175 bil, IDC said.