FRAMINGHAM, MA – Overall PC shipments in the third quarter were up 2.3% year-over-year, after three straight quarters of declines, according to IDC.
 

Double-digit, year-over-year gains are expected through 2013, says the research firm.
 
Increases were attributed to lower prices and consumer laptops. Shipments of mobile PCs rose 33.5% compared to the third quarter last year, while netbooks rose 37% sequentially.
 
Commercial PCs shipments dropped, but more slowly than in past quarters; IT spending is expected to gradually increase, says the firm.
 
IDC now predicts PC shipments for 2009 will increase 1.3% year-over-year.
 
In 2010, desktop shipments are expected to remain flat, and laptop shipments are expected to increase 18.1%. Netbook shipments will grow, but at a slower rate.
 
PC shipments will rise 10.3%, 12%, 11.9% and 10.3% year-over-year, respectively, between 2010 and 2013, says IDC.
 
Computer makers will ship 291.4 million units in 2009; 321.4 million in 2010; 360.1 million in 2011; 402.9 million in 2012, and 444.4 million in 2013, the firm expects.