IDC is betting on double digit growth in the global PC market for next couple of years. This will be spurred by aggressive pricing, improving business spending, and consistent growth in demand for portables.

According to the research firm, the PC recovery is in full swing, translating into 11 per cent annual growth until 2005. Things start looking tougher shortly after that, but the numbers are still positive - a big improvement on recent times. By 2006 growth falls to five per cent, and then to three per cent by 2008.

Enterprise sales are improving: in the US this should offset a declining public sector spend, the company says. In Western Europe, both consumer buying and business demand will stay strong, thanks to better pricing and a switch to laptops.

Japan's economic problems have held back market growth, and because nearly everyone has a laptop at home already, growth will be much more conservative. IDC expects growth of just six per cent in this matured market in 2004/5.

In contrast, the rest of Asia-Pacific looks very healthy. Low market penetration means that high growth rates will persist, tax breaks and Government spending on IT in India will give the market a boost. ®

Related story

NY Times in 'My job went to India' shirt outrage