IDC Raises Forecast for PC Shipments

Research firm IDC raised its forecast for full-year personal computer shipments, saying the market has been buoyed by strong U.S. retail sales and renewed hopes for a jump in corporate technology spending.

The research firm said it expects shipments of personal computers to rise 3% this year to 125.5 million units, up from a forecast made in December of a 1.8% rise in shipments. Last year, PC shipments fell 5.2% after years of rapid growth.