European PC prices rise in second quarter

Channel given ASP boost as higher-priced form factors sell well

Marie-Christine Pygott: Momentum will continue

PC prices in the European channel defied traditional patterns in the second quarter by rising three per cent.

According to market watcher Context, unit sales of desktops, notebooks and servers through top distributors in 14 European countries pogoed 10 per cent year on year in the three months to 30 June.

Revenue growth was even higher at 11.9 per cent as average selling prices (ASPs) rose from €443.84 to €457.37 quarter on quarter.

The UK performed above average, logging PC unit growth of 15.6 per cent.

Context attributed the unusual rise in ASPs to increased sales of higher-priced all-in-one consumer PCs. A resurgence in business-oriented notebooks and the euro’s recent decline were also cited as factors.

By form factor, desktop and notebook unit growth was almost identical at 9.1 and 9.4 per cent, respectively. Tablet PC sales grew 257 per cent driven by the launch of Apple’s iPad in May.

Context senior PC analyst Marie-Christine Pygott, issued a buoyant outlook for the rest of the year.

“Despite the weakening euro and the potential effect on prices, the combination of back-to-school sales later in the year, the continuing strength in the small business sector and Windows 7 adoption by businesses should all contribute to keep the momentum going,” she said.