Sales of notebooks are expected to outperform the number of desktop PCs at the forthcoming edition of GITEX Shopper 2005 according to organisers Dubai World Trade Centre.
Analysis based on feedback from a sampling of computer retailers participating at the 15th edition of GITEX Shopper reveals that notebook sales will dominate the personal computer market at this year’s mega retail extravaganza.
Shipments of PCs to the MEA region rose 37.4% to 2.03m units in Q2 2005 compared to the corresponding period last year, according to a report by international market research firm IDC. Shipments of notebooks increased by a phenomenal 108% and imports of desktops were up by 23.5%. Notebooks make up close to 50% of total PC shipments into Saudi and already outsell desktops in the UAE.
The results reflect the growing need for mobility among consumers with 95 percent of notebooks available during Shopper to offer wireless connectivity. The growth is also driven by improved performance and novel features apart from declining laptop prices.
Acer Computer (M.E.) Ltd., a leading PC and laptop vendor, will put a wide range of its products on display including Acer's Ferrari 4000 notebook - the world's first notebook to harness the technology pioneered in the world of Formula One.
Cellucom one of the fastest growing mobile retailer and distributor in the Middle East will showcase notebooks from Dell, HP and Toshiba among others at Shopper.
Micro Star International (MSI) will introduce its latest Megabook M645, a blend of mobility, high performance computing and sensible style during Shopper. The Megabook is a versatile mobile powerhouse with a range of high tech features.
Fujitsu Siemens Computers will display its professional notebook range at an excellent price performance ratio as well as the high performing LIFEBOOK series.
Toshiba celebrates rockets sales of 37 million notebooks since its introduction 20 years ago and will be displaying its newest range of notebook computers this year.
Modern notebooks are much faster, sleeker, more powerful and, remarkably cheaper than in the recent past.
While notebooks will continue to polish off bigger shares of the PC market, the desktop will not simply vanish into oblivion as the competition heats up with GITEX Shopper scheduled to take place at the newly expanded and renovated Airport Expo from September 24 to 30, 2005.
Shopper 2005 is the region’s largest consumer show in technology, offering the best deals and promotions on the latest products and services. GITEX Shopper offers scores of prizes, raffles, easy payment facilities, credit card promotions and instant cash prizes, thus creating an ideal opportunity for the benefit of consumers.
GITEX Shopper has evolved over the years from a marketplace for computers and accessories to its current status as the single largest annual retail platform for technology, in the Middle East. The show now encompasses information technology, digital imaging, telephony, consumer electronics, office automation, gaming, entertainment, educational programs, training, stationery, computer furniture and a wide range of related sectors that present cutting edge technology and the latest designs the world has to offer.
© 2005 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
