IDC Forecasts Stronger PC Growth in 2nd Half of 2012 (MSFT, INTC, AAPL)

IDC attributes the slowing growth of PC shipments to rising purchases of mobile devices like the iPad from Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). In developed markets like the US and Europe, PC shipments actually fell by -9% in 2011.

An IDC spokesman said:

Many consumers are holding off making PC purchases at the moment because tablet devices like Apple’s iPad are proving to be a powerful distraction. However, end user surveys tell us that few people consider media tablets as replacements for their PCs, so later this year when there is a new Microsoft operating system, available in sleek new PC form factors, we believe consumer interest in PCs will begin to rebound.

The research firm forecasts full-year shipment growth in 2012 at 5%.