Mini PCs big business for channel in Q1

Mini PCs now make up a quarter of overall desktop sales through distribution, according to Context

Mini PCs are emerging as a bright spot in an otherwise lacklustre desktop PC market for channel players in the UK and Europe, according to analyst Context.

Volume sales of mini PCs through western Europe's largest distributors leapt 26 per cent year on year in the first quarter of 2017, Context said.

The sub-market, which is led by HP, Intel and Lenovo, encompasses devices that are housed in a space-saving small case design.

The annual rise compares with a 10 per cent fall suffered by the overall desktop PC segment during the same period, Context said.

Mini PCs now make up 25 per cent of the total desktop PC market through distribution, up from 18 per cent a year ago, the analyst added.

Third-placed outfit Lenovo enjoyed lightning growth in its mini-PC shipments through distribution in Q1, at 78 per cent. Market leader HP's sales rose 47 per cent, with Intel enjoying an eight per cent bump.

"Mini PCs have enjoyed rising popularity over the past year because of their space-saving design and improvements to their performance, and many PC vendors have increased their focus on the segment to leverage rising demand," said Marie-Christine Pygott, senior analyst at Context.