NPD: Desktop Computer Sales Up 30 Pct in February

By Geoff Duncan March 19, 2010

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Conventional wisdom hold that the desktop computer is no longer the computing platform of choice for consumers: sure, businesses, gamers, and creative professionals have needs for those big chunky cases, but for years everyday computer users have been putting their money into smaller and more-portable systems ranging from conventional notebook computers to notebooks, MIDS, and even smartphones. However, according to market research firm NPD, desktop computer sale surged in February, up 30 percent compared to February of 2009. And what’s more, February marks the third month in the last four months that revenue from desktop computer sales group faster than that for notebook computers.

“Desktops have been the surprise consumer technology growth category of 2010,” said NPD VP of industry analysis Stephen Baker, in a statement. “Windows 7 has been propelling the PC side of the market where desktop ASPs [Average Sale Prices] have been higher than notebook/netbook ASPs in three of the last four months. We are also seeing tremendous growth numbers from the iMac after a few lackluster quarters from Apple.”

In the four months since the official launch of WIndows 7, NPD says sales of Windows-based desktop systems have grown 15 percent in terms of units, and 8 percent in terms of revenue. That might not seem like much, but consider that NPD saw sales of Windows-based desktop PCs decline in 21 of the 22 months leading up to the introduction of Windows 7.

Baker attributes some of the improved sales of Windows 7 desktops to consumers replacing older Windows XP systems with new computers with Windows 7 pre-installed.

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