CHENNAI: As more people worked from home, personal computer shipments, led by laptops, registered their best-ever quarter in seven years during the July-September period. At 3.4 million units, PC shipments (including desktops, notebooks and workstations) recorded a 9.2% year-over-year growth rate in the September quarter, according to International Data Corporation (IDC).
The share of desktops as a proportion of total shipments reduced from 29% in the same quarter last year to 16% in July-September 2020. The share of laptops increased from 69% to 83%.
The consumer segment recorded its biggest quarter ever. At 2 million units, shipments grew over 40% year-on-year and nearly tripled from the previous quarter. Schools and colleges continuing to function virtually led to a surge in demand for laptops, especially in metros and large cities.
In the commercial segment, enterprises reduced their dependency on desktops anticipating a longer work-from-home possibility but small and medium firms resumed purchases as business operations started with a relaxation in lockdown.