IDC Finds the Asia/Pacific (Excluding Japan) PC Market Fell 5% Year-on-Year in 1Q09 Amid Economic Pressures

Singapore and Hong Kong, April 20, 2009 – IDC's preliminary results show that the Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan) PC market declined 5% sequentially and 5% year-on-year in 1Q09. But total shipments came in close to forecasts, as portable PCs in key markets such as China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan were strong, lifting that segment to a 12% year-on-year growth. Lenovo remained the market leader despite the seasonal Lunar New Year slowdown, while HP was one of the few vendors to post a year-on-year gain in the midst of difficult economic conditions.

"Even though the quarter was soft, it was somewhat relieving to see that the region's market was able to hold up to forecasts this quarter, especially compared to a dismal 4Q08," said Bryan Ma, Director of Asia/Pacific Personal Systems Research at IDC. "That does not mean that we are out of the woods yet though. The economy is still showing mixed signals, and recent political instability in markets like Thailand created further uncertainty. Commercial buying is thus still likely to remain questionable this year, but hopefully consumer portables can help offset that."

“Commercial PC purchases were still sluggish in Singapore, especially in the private sector," said Reuben Tan, Senior Manager of Asia/Pacific Personal Systems Research at IDC. "However, portable PC procurement was surprisingly strong for the polytechnic student purchasing program as well as at the IT Show in March, which gave the market a 20% sequential growth in portables."

Kathy Sin, Research Manager of Asia/Pacific Personal Systems Research at IDC, added, "The Hong Kong PC market was also one of the few countries with a strong showing in 1Q09. As expected, mini-notebooks were a key driver; and channel stock up in preparation for the IT Expo during the Easter holiday period as well as fulfillments in the government space pushed the market to a 19% year-on-year growth."

For more information about purchasing the research, please contact Selina Ang at +65-6829-7717 or sang@idc.com.