Western Europe PC shipments increase despite shortages of key components

Lenovo led the way with a 27 per cent share, according to Canalys

Western European PC shipments (desktops, notebooks and workstations) reached 15 million units during the second quarter of 2021, up three per cent year on year, according to Canalys.

The analyst claims post-Covid demand in 2021 has been stable thanks to lockdown-enforced lifestyle changes becoming permanent. While shortages of key components remain a problem, limiting vendors' orders and growth.

"Demand is still strong. Western Europe has emerged into a post-Covid ‘new normal', a rapidly digitalising world, as shown by the robust shipment numbers. Had supply issues been resolved, we could have seen even higher growth in the PC market," said Canalys research analyst, Trang Pham.

Lenovo led the pack as the top vendor with 4.1 million units shipped, taking a 27 per cent share.

Canalys claimed the "worldwide market leader" has now" sealed its leadership" in Western Europe by staying on top for three consecutive quarters.

HP followed in second, shipping 3.7 million units to take a 24 per cent share.

While Dell, Acer and Apple completed the top five, with 14 per cent, ten per cent and nine per cent shares respectively.

Tablets

Canalys data found tablet shipments in Western Europe grew by 18 per cent, with 7.9 million units shipped.

Pham adds: "Tablets are no longer just devices for entertainment but have emerged as cheaper alternatives to PCs for remote working and learning, and are especially popular among students with basic needs."

The research firm named Apple as the number one tablet vendor, climbing 73 per cent in Q2, claiming it has "long dominated" the space.

Lenovo came second, with an 87 per cent spike in shipments.

Canalys claims the vendor was quick to capitalise on the demand for tablets and delivered a wide range, including cheaper models, filling the gap that Apple leaves with its more costly iPads.

The other vendors in the top five - Samsung, Huawei and Amazon - however, all suffered declining shipments.