Worldwide PC shipments are projected to rise by 12.6 per cent in 2007 to 257.5 million units, despite concerns over a slowdown in the market, according to analyst firm IDC.

"Overall, we should expect to see strong growth for the next several years, with double-digit increases expected through 2009," said Loren Loverde, director of IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker.

"The shift to mobility will continue to drive growth, as portable PCs are expected to represent more than 50 per cent of shipment value during 2007 and more than half of worldwide volume by 2009."

The 2007/2008 forecasts for the US, Western Europe and Japan have been adjusted slightly downwards, pushing some growth into 2009. But Asia/Pacific, excluding Japan and Rest of World, are driving the raised expectations.

According to the report, these markets saw strong growth during the second quarter thanks largely to the relentless adoption of consumer portable PCs, as well as gains in the desktop and commercial markets.

These markets are now expected to surpass Western Europe in total PC shipment volume in 2007 and should pass the US in 2009.

"The US market should maintain growth in mid-single digits through most of the forecast," said David Daoud, research manager for IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker and Personal Systems.

"Some pressure on spending related to the debt crunch may constrain 2008, but aggressive competition for fast growing consumer demand, as well as resurgent commercial spending, will help fuel growth."

Daoud added that, with the expansion and reorganisation of companies like Acer, Lenovo, HP and Dell, the market is likely to become even more competitive, creating an even tougher battle for smaller vendors.