PC sales growth to slow in 2011

The figures show that along with new devices, consumers are also spending less money in response to recent negative economic performance. Gartner says there is no reason for consumers to spend more money replacing a PC, when they can buy a cheaper device that fulfils their need.

"Consumer mobile PCs are no longer driving growth, because of sharply declining consumer interest in mini-notebooks. Mini-notebook shipments have noticeably contracted over the last several quarters, and this has substantially reduced overall mobile PC unit growth," research director Ranjit Atwal said in a statement.

"Media tablets, such as the iPad, have also impacted mobile growth, but more because they have caused consumers to delay new mobile PC purchases rather than directly replacing aging mobile PCs with media tablets. We believe direct substitution of media tablets for mobile PCs will be minimal."