Market research firm IDC has released data that confirms a growth in the PC market faster in 2005 than originally expected. Apple and Gateway are especially doing well. The forecast estimates global PC shipment growth in Q3 at 17.1 percent, versus the firm's August forecast of 13.3 percent.
"Notebook adoption continued to drive PC growth in the U.S. complemented by the desktop market which was stronger than expected due to aggressive pricing," Analyst Richard Shim said. "The third quarter is typically defined by the back-to-school season, which was particularly strong this year. Notebooks were a significant influence in the consumers' back-to-school shopping and that carried over to other markets."