Monitor sales reveal models 21.5in and larger a popular choice

Larger-size desktops lead sales in third quarter 2011

Displays 21.5in and larger took the largest share of European monitor sales in the third quarter of 2011, according to displays analyst Meko.

The analyst says buyers continued to favour wide panels, with sales of 17in and 19in 1280x1024 monitors accounting for just 13 per cent of the market – down from 17 per cent in the year-ago quarter.

"Sales of 23in and 24in sets reached their highest share to date at 10 per cent," Meko said in a press statement. "In the third quarter of 2011, sales of monitor sets of 21.5in and above went past the volume of smaller sets for the first time."

Overall, the larger sizes account for almost two-thirds of the desktop monitor market, which grew 13.6 per cent quarter on quarter, Meko said.

"There are some really good-looking monitors in larger sizes now. For example, the 27in 2560x1440 16:9 models are a real advance on what has been available for the last few years. The size is probably the first for the desktop, where 16:9 format really makes any sense," it said.

Desktop monitors usually sell well in the third quarter, the firm said, but were still down year on year by 3.7 per cent for the fifth consecutive quarter.

"Commercial sales were the main driver and the segment remains at 60 per cent of the market by volume. LED-backlit monitor sales are still on track for around 55 per cent penetration for the year as a whole," Meko added.

Germany was the highest-value market, accounting for 20 per cent of sales in value terms. In volume terms, Russia took the largest share of sales.