Australian-New Zealand PC market falters in first quarter

Stats from research firm IDC show the Australian-New Zealand (ANZ) PC market saw some of its worst sales in years during the first quarter of 2012, as the region was reeling from the effects of natural disasters and tight consumer spending.

In total, the ANZ PC market saw more than 1.5 million units ship, making it the worst quarter since 2010. PC shipments in New Zealand actually grew 10 percent from the previous quarter, but this was offset by Australia's 12 percent drop.

IDC expects PC shipments in the second quarter will remain relatively flat, though it does point out some recovery in New Zealand, especially among consumers, small and medium-sized businesses and the education sector.

One PC that is not expected to flourish just yet is the Ultrabook™, which many ANZ consumers still see as a novelty item. Despite the immense hype around the technology in other parts of the world, price still seems to be an obstacle for the Ultrabook in the ANZ region.

Despite struggles in the ANZ region, the PC market worldwide experienced modest growth during the first quarter of 2012. According to a separate IDC report, shipments rose 2.3 percent year over year, thanks to strong activity in the Europe, Middle East and Africa market, as well as Japan.