High-end PCs just 6 percent of the market

X-bit Labs cites some interesting statistics from a new PC market study by IHS iSuppli. The report found that high-end performance desktop computers account for just 6.2 percent of the market, while mainstream and value desktop computers account for exactly 46.9 percent each. In the notebook market the numbers are almost identical, performance laptops take 9.2 percent of the market, mainstream models come in at 44.0 percent and value laptops take the other 46.8 percent.

This year, the mainstream desktop PC category tied with the value PC category in the share of the global desktop PC market, with each segment projected to claim an evenly matched 46.9% by year-end. In comparison, performance PCs will be left far behind in third place, with a meager 6.2%. Meanwhile in the notebook computer space, the value notebook segment will take 46.8%, compared to 44% for mainstream laptops and 9.2% for performance models. IHS claims that the market calculus does not change in the years ahead, with performance PCs continuing to hold down a minority position compared to either the mainstream or value segments.

“While the highest and most potent specifications are still reserved for expensive PCs belonging to the performance sector, computers now in the mainstream or value segments are powerful in their own right, and cannot be deemed as throwaway models. Instead, these more affordable systems feature current-generation technologies that prove adequate for most uses, or boast increased microprocessor power that raises the performance bar even for seemingly rudimentary machines,” explained Mr. Lin.