Worldwide PC market is growing -- IDC

Research firm, International Data Corporation (IDC) released preliminary Q2 1999 data Monday declaring 25.6 million shipments and a 27% year-over-year growth for PCs worldwide. The figures indicate a healthy PC market -- a stark contrast to suggestions earlier this year that the PC market had reached its climax.

According to IDC's report the US was able to lead in volume growth in Q2 1999 accounting for 10.8 million units. This allowed the US to realise a growth rate of 35% over the same period last year. IDC accredited the increase to several factors including strong consumer demand, the low-cost PC market, and the union of Internet packaging with the "Free PC" movement.

Compaq maintained its lead -- just -- in its long-lasting duel with Dell for the top spot in both worldwide and US markets, but Dell is still keeping the pressure on. This is true particularly in the US market where Compaq accounted for 16.6% market share to Dell's 16.3%.