Manufacturer's Association of Information Technology's (MAIT's) research report

A study by the Manufacturer's Association of Information Technology (MAIT) has revealed that PC sales have grown to 2 million units in 2000-01 from 1.4 million in 1999-2000 recording an increase of 37 per cent.

Of these the assembled PCs command a market share of a whopping 58%, while MNC brands had a market share of 23%. Indian brands however had a reduced share of 19 % from a 25 % share in 1999-2000.

In terms of processor configuration Pentium II s and III s accounted for 64 % of the sales showing the technology consciousness of the Indian market. Celeron machines increased their share to 20% from 8% in 1998-99. In the networking computer market, 4.95 lakh modems were sold along with 1.27 lakh hubs. The household market however accounted for 43% of the modem market in 1999-2000. The Dot Matrix Printer had a 46 % share while the Inkjet Printer had a 42% share.

The study reveals that 52% of the first time buyers in the business segment and 60% in the household segment bought a PC along with an Internet connection. The share of non-metro PC market increased from 29% to 37% in 1999-2000.The metros however dominated with a 63% share of the market. In the household segment, the socio-economic 'B' class increased their share in the purchasing segment with a share of 23% compared to 19% last year indicating that the lesser affluent homes are making their way into PC purchase. The 'A' class dominated with a 77 % share while small to medium size businesses accounted for 59 % of notebook sales with large businesses accounting for the rest of the 41% share.