Andre Yoskowitz
6 Dec 2010 23:32
Market research firm IDC has said today that the end of the PC-centric era is near, with tablet and smartphone shipments set to overtake PC shipments in 2012.
IDC makes sure to note, however, that PC sales will continue to increase, as well, just at a much slower rate than gadgets that rely on touchscreen and apps.
Worldwide shipments of "app-enabled devices" will reach 377 million in 2011, and 462 million shipments in 2012, exceeding PCs which are expected to ship 402 million in 2011 and 448 million in 2012.
Frank Gens, chief analyst at IDC says tablets and smartphones are "not replacing the PC -- that's a key point -- but [they are] expanding the market."
Overall, global IT spending will jump 5.7 percent to $1.6 trillion in 2011.
(Pic via Flickr)