Combined worldwide device shipment to reach 2.4 bn in 2013

Worldwide devices (the combined shipments of PCs, tablets and mobile phones) are on pace to total 2.4 bn units in 2013, a 9% increase from 2012, according to Gartner. 

Device shipments are forecast to continue to grow, reaching more than 2.9 bn units in 2017, but the mix of these devices will significantly change over the forecast period.

The proliferation of lower-priced tablets and their growing capability is accelerating the shift from PCs to tablets. "While there will be some individuals who retain both a personal PC and a tablet, especially those who use either or both for work and play, most will be satisfied with the experience they get from a tablet as their main computing device. As consumers shift their time away from their PC to tablets and smartphones, they will no longer see their PC as a device that they need to replace on a regular basis," said Carolina Milanesi, research VP, Gartner.

As a result, the traditional PC market of notebooks and desk-based units is expected to decline 7.6% in 2013. This is not a temporary trend induced by a more austere economic environment; it is a reflection of a long-term change in user behavior. Beginning in 2013, ultramobiles will help offset this decline, so that sales of traditional PCs and ultramobiles combined show a 3.5% decline in 2013.

Worldwide tablet shipments are forecast to total 197 mn units in 2013, a 69.8% increase from 2012 shipments of 116 mn units. "Lower prices, form factor variety, cloud update and consumers' addiction to apps will be the key drivers in the tablet market," said Ranjit Atwal, research director, Gartner.