Global sales of PCs have increased by 55% over the last year. Figures for the first quarter of 2021 have confirmed that a spectacular boom launched by the first global lockdown in 2020 is continuing unabated.

Given that working from home is the new normal in many countries, the market for computers is expected to remain strong.

Mindful of the recent shortfall in stocks, which meant that many of those who attempted to buy new machines early last year were left empty-handed, consumers are continuing to invest in new PCs.

In all, some 84 million computers were bought in the first three months of 2021, as opposed to 54 million during the same period of last year, according to the latest figures published by market intelligence consultancy IDC. Let's not forget that this latest tally also represents a decline of just 8% from a truly exceptional final quarter in 2020.

Lenovo remains the market leader with 20.4 million units sold over the three months from January to March 2021 (up by 59% when compared to the same period in the previous year). The Chinese manufacturer remains ahead of HP (19.2 million units, +64%), and Dell (12.9 million units, +23%). Ranked in fourth place, Apple saw its sales double year-on-year, rising from 3.1 million units to 6.6 million units.

However, the future for the PC market may not be as bright as it seems. There is now a real possibility that the industry will soon have to contend with insufficient stocks of components. Not only could this act as a brake on sales, but it is also likely to also push up the price of new machines.

 - AFP Relaxnews