Battle looms for PC buyers in Asian homes; companies slash prices, offer special features as standard equipment

Article Abstract:

Computer companies are scrambling to profit selling PCs in the Asian home PC market. Companies such as Compaq, Packard Bell, Apple, IBM and the Acer Group are offering advanced features as standard equipment and are cutting prices, aiming to boost PC sales. Analysts agree that a winning marketing strategy in Asia will include emotional advertising and effective customer service. Consumers tend to be loyal to brand names, and companies will be spending millions to increase their product name recognition. Industry research indicates that nearly 18.5 million PCs will ship in the Asian home PC market by 1999. Economic growth and exploding Internet popularity are among the reasons the market is booming. Apple computer is expanding into China, planning to open 70 retail Apple Shops that sell Apple products exclusively. IBM is seeking to market their products in electronics outlets and department stores.

International trade, Asia, Home Computer Market, Market Trend/Market Analysis, Industry Trend Or Event

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Global PC sales growth slowed to 11% in 4th quarter as U.S. rate fell to 15%

Article Abstract:

The PC industry's worldwide growth slowed significantly in the 4th qtr 1996, according to surveys from market-research firms International Data Corp (IDC) and Dataquest. International Data announced that global shipments only increased 11% to 20.4 million units, lowering full-year growth to 68.4 million units, or 16%. IDC analyst Eric Lewis attributes the slowdown to market weakness in Germany, where sales fell dramatically. Dataquest estimates that worldwide growth for the quarter was 16.5%. The firm claims worldwide growth for all of 1996 slowed to 70.9 million units, or 17.8%. Dataquest estimates full-year US growth at 14.5%. For 1997, Lewis cites Germany and Japan as the biggest risk factors, as both countries have struggling economies. Market leaders for the quarter include Dell Computer, Gateway 2000, IBM, HP and Compaq. Packard Bell-NEC and Apple both lost market share in the quarter.

Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Market trend/market analysis, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Dell Inc., Gateway Inc., DELL, Growth, Corporate growth, Industry growth

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Packard Bell led the U.S. PC market in first quarter; IBM bouncing back

Article Abstract:

A market research firm has indicated Packard Bell Electronics Inc has increased its market share in the US market by 12.7%, improving its position as the top PC seller in the 1st qtr 1995. IBM posted a moderate comeback, increasing its market share from 7.9% to 8.8%, taking over the fourth position. Compaq and Apple stayed at numbers two and three respectively, but lost ground to both IBM and Packard Bell. Gateway 2000 placed fifth with a 5.4% market share. Industry analysts see Packard Bell's taking the number one slot two years in a row as significant. However, they also warn that IBM is preparing to bounce back. Market research shows the PC market continues to grow as US industry shipments climbed up 23% in the 1st qtr. Many analysts are predicting year-end growth to reach between 20% and 25%.

Microcomputer industry, Market research, Company market share, Company business forecast/projection, Company forecasts, Marketing Research

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