Growth in the local PC market will remain stagnant as the country feels the pinch of global financial slowdown.
This is according to research firm IDC, which notes that 2009 will not see growth in the PC market.
A recent report by the IDC states that: “Emerging markets in the Middle East and Africa are among the most significantly affected in the short-term. These regions had been among the fastest growing markets over the past several years as falling prices helped new users acquire systems. Volume will continue to expand in the Middle East and Africa, but at a slower pace than in recent years.”
In SA, while growth predictions are in the double digits for next year, PC market growth levels will not exceed that of 2008. The IDC predicts the desktop and notebook market combined will experience 12% total growth in unit terms.
IDC research analyst Hannes Fourie cautions about this double-digit growth. ”There is a lot of speculation that SA won't be affected as much by the crisis because we are an emerging economy, because there are growth opportunities in the market and there is still a lot of consumer spend going through. There are a lot of positive factors protecting the South African market, but we need to be realistic as well.”
The realism that Fourie refers to is reflected in high and fluctuating oil prices, interest rate levels in the country, the inflation rate and the impact of the National Credit Act. Says Fourie: “The South African market is still looking positive, but there is a big but to it all.”
Fourie highlights that consumers will be price conscious at this time and vendors are introducing products to deal with the changing tide in spending.
“Most vendors are introducing new mini-notebook lines in 2009. The desktop is still the second choice for consumers. The price of notebooks makes it more attractive, its mobility, the option of 3G - all these factors make it more affordable and attractive to consumers.”
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