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PC market up 17% in US as hybrid work is here to stay, analyst says

The pandemic-fueled surge in computer buying has slowed some, but Canalys still sees "tremendous" potential for PC makers.

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Headshot of Dashia Milden
Dashia Milden Editor
Dashia is the consumer insights editor for CNET. She specializes in data-driven analysis and news at the intersection of tech, personal finance and consumer sentiment. Dashia investigates economic shifts and everyday challenges to help readers make well-informed decisions, and she covers a range of topics, including technology, security, energy and money. Dashia graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She loves baking, teaching spinning and spending time with her family.
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The PC market in the US continues to grow as it appears many people have accepted a future that includes hybrid work, according to the latest quarterly report from market research firm Canalys. 

In the second quarter of 2021, the PC market grew 17% year over year, with a total of 36.8 million shipments, according to Canalys. Notebooks saw the most growth, up 27% year over year, followed by desktop computers, which were up 23%. Tablet shipments were largely flat for the quarter, with a 1% decrease. 

While demand for computers has slowed since the height of the pandemic, Canalys said, there's "massive refresh potential" as companies solidify long-term strategies to support hybrid work and schools make computers an essential part of the classroom. 

"The commercial and education segments have exploded, triggering tremendous refresh potential," said Brian Lynch, a research analyst at Canalys, in a release. "Whether it be work, school or leisure at home, PCs are in users' hands more than ever."

HP led the PC market with a nearly 22% share and over 8 million devices shipped in the second quarter. Apple snagged the second spot, but was actually down 3% overall in the quarter due to "iPad demand tailing off," Canalys said. Apple had more success with notebooks, growing 24% year over year in that segment, likely due to the success of the M1 chip. 

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