Computers in Use Pass 1 Billion Mark: Gartner

HELSINKI (Reuters)- The number of personal computers in use around the world hassurpassed 1 billion, with strong growth in emerging markets set todouble the number of PCs by early 2014, research firm Gartner said onMonday.

Mature markets accounted for 58 percent of the first billioninstalled PCs, but would only account for about 30 percent of the nextbillion, Gartner said.

"Rapid penetration in emerging markets is being driven by theexplosive expansion of broadband and wireless connectivity, thecontinuing fall in PC average selling prices, and the generalrealization that PCs are an indispensable tool for advancement," GeorgeShiffler, research director at Gartner, said.

Gartner expects more than 180 million computers will be replacedthis year, with some sold to second owners through various channels,some broken up and recycled, but many simply dumped directly intolandfill.

"We estimate … some 35 million PCs will be dumped into landfillwith little or no regard for their toxic content," said Gartner analystMeike Escherich.

"It will become an even more pressing issue, especially in emergingmarkets, as the number of retired PCs grows with the continuingexpansion of the PC installed base," she said.

(Reporting by Tarmo Virki; editing by Sue Thomas)