iPad predicted to spur growth

Garner says the release of the Apple iPad could herald an industry shift in sales from desktop PCs to handheld devices, states IT News.

The analyst firm expects sales of traditional and next-generation tablet devices to reach 10.5 million worldwide in the coming year, and to account for 70% of all shipments of PCs worldwide by 2012.

"Apple's iPad is just one of many new devices coming to market that will change the entire PC ecosystem and overlap it with the mobile phone industry," says Gartner analyst Ranjit Atwal. "This will create more opportunities for PC vendors as well as significantly more threats."

Intel unveiled its Atom platform aimed at storage devices for small offices and homes. The platform is a push by Intel to expand the reach of the Atom chip, reports eWeek.

Initially intended for netbooks, the processor is finding its way into entry-level desktops, mainstream notebooks and embedded devices.

Intel says the platform is energy efficient, includes a single-core Atom D410 or dual-core D510, and Intel's 828011R I/O controller. Designed for network attached storage devices that can act as centralised hubs enabling users to organise, manage and share documents, photos, videos and music throughout the home or small office.

The IDC says PC shipments to the UAE are expected to reach two million units in 2010, up from 1.75 million in 2009, due to sales of mobile products such as notebooks and netbooks, says Business 24-7.

PC shipments to the country in 2008 amounted to 1.8 million units. Globally, PC shipments are expected to total 366.1 million units in 2010, a 19.7% increase from 305.8 million units shipped in 2009, according to a preliminary forecast by Gartner.

"Shipments in 2010 will be driven by mobile products," says Jyoti Lalchandani, vice-president and regional MD of IDC. "In the desktop segment, enterprise-level projects are reaching the refresh cycle.”