The number of computers being used worldwide has crossed the 1 billion mark, according to a study released by research firm Gartner on Monday. With a growth rate of 12 percent annually, the number is expected to double to 2 billion within the next six years.
Rising competition in the PC market has led to a drop in the prices of desktops and laptops, allowing for greater sales in developing nations. Another factor is the improved internet access, which is driving the trend. According to analysts at Gartner, emerging markets will account for 70 percent of the next billion PCs to come online.
“Mature markets such as the US, Western Europe and Japan currently account for 58 per cent of the world's installed PCs, but these markets only account for 15 per cent of the world's population,” said Gartner analyst George Shiffler in a statement.
“We expect per capita PC penetration in emerging markets to double by 2013. Rapid penetration in emerging markets is being driven by the explosive expansion of broadband and wireless connectivity in these markets and the continuing fall in PC average selling prices.”
As many as 180 million or 16 per cent of the computers currently in used worldwide will be replaced this year, according to the estimation of Gartner. One-fifth of those being replaced, are expected to be dumped into landfills, said Gartner analyst Meike Escherich, noting the small regard for their toxic content.
The challenge of disposing the electronics waste, keeping environment protection in mind will also spread out in developing markets in the coming years, Escherich added.
The Stamford, Conn.- based firm did not count the number of PCs shipped every year, but considered the number of machines it deems, are actually be in use.
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