This IDC study presents an updated look at the worldwide PC marketplace going forward. It incorporates the latest quarter of 2Q08 with the forecast out to 2012. It is valid as of September 2008 and provides forecast and growth figures for PC shipments at the worldwide level and for key regional markets. Details include unit, value, and average system price (ASP) figures, including compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) for the period from 2007 to 2012. For comparison purposes, the tables in this document also include historical figures for 2004–2007.

"Despite continuing economic concerns in both mature and emerging regions, recent shipment volume and increasing competition in the rapidly growing low end of the portables market are expected to drive solid growth for the next few years. Like in 1Q08, the U.S. market is still feeling the economic pain, with declining growth of 4.3%," says analyst Doug Bell.