Worldwide PC sales continue to soar

The volume of PCs shipped worldwide will reach 33.4 million in the third quarter of 2000, according to research house IDC.

The figures, which represent an 18.5 per cent increase on last year and 10 per cent growth from the second quarter, have been raised by strong demand in Asia - with a 35 per cent increase in growth on last year forecast for Japan alone. Western Europe is experiencing roughly half that rate of demand with a 14.5 per cent increase on last year predicted for the quarter. In the UK, a 20 per cent increase is expected for Q4, fuelled by consumer enthusiasm for DVD and internet access. The UK corporate sector has also recovered the fastest in Europe, according to IDC.