Educational institutions drive up demand for PCs

The surge in demand for computers from various educational institutions and the ease in getting loans has led to good times for dealers in computer and related equipment.

"Education institutions have started to purchase the computers in bulk and this is the main reason for the surge in sales," said Kashyapbhai Pattani of OM System Creation, a leading computer dealer based in Rajkot.

In the new era, most schools and colleges have developed modern computers laboratories.

"Schools have introduced computer education right from the beginning. Parents also prefer to get admission for their children in schools offering such courses," said Pattani.

The computer assemblers are also having it good. The educational institutions prefer to buy their computers from assemblers as they get prompt service, said Pattani.

"In the computer market, prompt servicing is a major factor. The assemblers are using computer parts of reputed brands and, hence, they are not facing much problems and can offer better services. This is helping them generate more business," Pattani added.

An average estimated annual turnover of the information technology business in Rajkot is Rs 2.20 lakh, he informed.

There are some 35 to 40 major computer dealers and around 200 hardware associates in Rajkot. On average, these post sales of between 800 to 1000 computers per month.

Another factor fueling demand for computers is the easy access to loans "" and at reasonable rates.

The prices of computers are also ruling at low levels. The initiatives taken by the government to promote the use of computers could lead to a further lowering of prices.

"The inclination of Rajkot citizens seems to be towards hand-held, thin and flat monitor computers and multifunction colour printers. A common customer of Rajkot is price sensitive and understands the details of computers," said Bhavin Doshi of Sharp Systems, a computer store.

"A present the price of 40 GB hard disk is between Rs 2500 and Rs 2900, while processors cost around Rs 6000. While the price of a Celeron standard assemble system is Rs 18,400, a P-4 costs near Rs 22,500. The price of branded systems is around Rs 2500 more than the assembled PCs," he added.