Driven by mobile PC shipments, global computer market is expected to grow 2.8 per cent in 2009, a research firm said today.

According to Gartner's preliminary fourth-quarter forecast, worldwide PC shipments are expected to total 298.9 million units in 2009, a rise of 2.8 per cent over that in last year. In 2010, PC shipments are projected to reach 336.6 million units.

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Semiconductor revenues expected to rebound in '10 - Semiconductor revenue to fall 11.4%: Gartner - IT ind revival by 2010; APAc to fuel growth: Gartner - India's enterprise software market set to grow by 12% - Mid-sized firms to drive IT spend, says Gartner - APAC enterprise software spending to grow 10.2% in 2010

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Markets end flat - Turbulence ahead for airlines despite oil price drop - Weak rupee may bring cheer to NRIs, expats - LIC buys PSU stocks, sells pvt sector blue-chips in Q4 - Banks may lower deposit rates as inflation eases: Report More

"Shipments in the third quarter of 2009 were much stronger than we expected, and that alone virtually guaranteed we would see positive growth this year," Gartner Research Director George Shiffler said.

Gartner's new forecast indicates mobile PC shipments are on pace to reach 162 million units in 2009, a 15.4 per cent increase over 2008.

In 2010, mobile PC shipments are expected to reach 196.4 million units. Mini-notebook shipments, included in overall mobile PC shipments, are forecast to reach 29 million in 2009 and will grow to 41 million shipments in 2010.

However, the market value of PC shipments is projected to decline. "The market value of global PC shipments is now forecast to total $217 billion in 2009, a 10.7 per cent decline from 2008," Gartner said.

Gartner projects the market value of PC shipments to reach $222.9 billion in 2010.

"Given the market's competitive dynamic, we don't see PC average selling prices rising any time soon. As a result, growth in the market value of shipments will significantly lag shipment growth next year and beyond," Shiffler said.

Gartner analysts reiterated their belief that Windows 7 will have a limited impact on holiday PC sales but noted that 2010 PC shipments could be affected.

"We are expecting a modest bump in fourth-quarter consumer demand as vendors promote new Windows 7-based PCs, but the attraction will be the new PCs, not Windows 7," Shiffler said.

Shipments of desk-based PCs are expected to total 136.9 million units in 2009, a nine per cent decline from 2008. In 2010, desk-based PC shipments are forecast to reach 140.2 million units.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Markets end flat - Turbulence ahead for airlines despite oil price drop - Weak rupee may bring cheer to NRIs, expats - LIC buys PSU stocks, sells pvt sector blue-chips in Q4 - Banks may lower deposit rates as inflation eases: Report

Tags : Global PC shipments | Gartner | mobile PC shipments | computer market   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  Journey on, We are by Your Side. Click here to know more -  Benefits Upto Rs. 2.36 Lakhs on the Fully Loaded TJet Petrol. -  Watch The Film Here. Click here to know more.. -  Leader in Passenger Car & Automobile Tyres. Click here -  1 billion in saving for Unilever without any tangles. -  One Partnership Endless Possibilities. Click here to know more -  Helping doctors detect diseases earlier, saving costs & extending lives. -  36 Lakhs can get you a pool of Luxuries. Click here -  Which is the best plan for your daughter -  Check out the TRUE COLOURS of your Stocks, Now for FREE!