PC market surges 35.2% due to COVID demand

The Australian PC market grew 35.2% in the second quarter due to the demand triggered by the need to transition to working and studying from home amid COVID-19 restrictions, according to IDC.

Demand for notebooks was strong across consumer and commercial customers, with 46.6% and 52.4% growth respectively to a total of 1.08 million units, the research firm predicted. But the increased demand for desktops was largely driven by the consumer segment.

“The commercial market saw huge demand as businesses, government and students all moved to working from home and online learning,” IDC Australia Associate Market Analyst for PC Devices Reynard Lowell said.

“Consumers are looking to purchase notebooks more than any other devices, due to the increased flexibility and productivity they offer. Many households also suddenly found themselves in need for more notebooks, as parents and children each need their own devices for work and study.”

Similar spikes in demand were seen across the gaming PC segment, as consumers looked for indoor entertainment during their time stuck inside, as well as the PC monitor market, which increased 53.7% year on year.

IDC is predicting that the market will continue on a strong trajectory in the current quarter, forecasting a growth of 8.3%.

“The consumer market will be the main growth driver. However, the commercial market is expected to slow down, as a lot of buying has happened during the first half of the year,” Lowell said.

“Uncertainty about the future economy will also impact capital expenditure, as businesses, particularly SMBs, will be looking to reduce and streamline costs.”

Image courtesy IDC