IDC: PC sales saw virtually "no growth" in the US

Despite excellent sales internationally, US computer sales were virtually stagnant in the US, according to a new IDC report. While Europe and other regions saw a jump of over 10% in sales compared to 2005, the US saw only a third of that growth at 3.5%. The analyst group is quick to counter allegations that delays to Windows Vista, which have triggered coupon programs to shore up holiday sales, are the primary factor in the slowdown: the hardest-hit segment was the business market, an area where buyers rarely adopt new software the moment it becomes available. IDC instead points to slower update cycles with system builders and generally poor performance by these companies.

The news comes in the face of recent success by Apple, whose Mac sales jumped 30% year-over-year last quarter and are poised to set an all-time record for the company by the end of calendar 2006. The company has seen one of its most aggressive series of new computer launches this year, with its entire line having seen at least one major revision.