Asia Pacific PC market closes out 2010 stronger

Singapore and Hong Kong: IDC’s preliminary results show that the Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) PC market grew 19% in full year 2010 to reach 107 million units, with most countries posting double-digit growth.

This was stronger than the 15% posted in 2009 and 11% in 2008, but weaker than the 27% recorded in 2007. In 4Q10 specifically, the market came in 5% short of IDC’s initial forecasts with only 7% year-on-year growth, as markets like China softened amid inflationary pressure and channel inventory challenges.

“The full year growth rates clearly show that the region has picked itself up from the economic slump that plagued the region in the past year or two,” said Bryan Ma, Associate Vice President of Asia/Pacific Client Devices Research at IDC.

“And while the last quarter of the year was disappointing on the consumer side, we still expect over 10% growth in the region in 2011, especially as commercial buying continues to improve.”

Lenovo continued to lead the region in both 4Q10 and full year 2010, given its strong presence and activities in its home market of China. While HP continued to decline in unit share, its efforts in the commercial space helped to keep it in second place in the last quarter of the year. Meanwhile, Dell softened in 4Q10 as it came off a very strong 3Q10 in both China and India.