Tablets and phones lead Q3 connected devices

IDC figures show mobility category continuing to top the market

Almost 55 million PCs, tablets and smartphones were sold in western Europe in Q3, 12 per cent more than the same quarter last year – and that growth is driven by smartphones and tablets.

That's according to the latest figures from research giant IDC, which also suggest that total figures will exceed 230m for the full year, making for overall revenue of nearly $120bn – 11 per cent up by value.

Smart connected devices continue to be one of the fastest-growing markets in the IT industry, with tablets and smartphones driving overall consumer electronics spending, according to Chrystelle Labesque, research manager for EMEA personal computing at IDC.

"The smart connected device market is going through an accelerated expansion phase, fundamentally changing the way consumers and businesses use and consider their computing device, and the change in usage patterns will continue to drive innovation and to open new opportunities for the industry," she said.

The largest slice in volume terms is smartphones, comprising nearly 60 per cent of sales or 35 million devices, on the back of 17 per cent growth in the quarter.

Tablet shipments rose 38 per cent year on year to 45 million units in Q3, or 53.1 per cent for the year versus 2012. Q4 too is expected to be buoyant.

Echoing statistics posted by other analysts, IDC noted a "softer" PC market Q3 as well, declining 12.6 per cent overall. The analyst firm expects this year to shape up as the worst ever for PCs -- as already reported on ChannelWeb.

"New ultra-slim and convertible form factors are generating interest in both the consumer and business segments, but high price points and a wait-and-see attitude have prevented faster uptake so far," Labesque indicated.

Apple, Samsung and Asus continue to lead the European tablet market.

Samsung continues to head up the smartphone market, with Apple and Sony next in line.

In PCs, HP is still the clear leader, followed by Lenovo and then Dell.