The pandemic is reviving the personal computer (PC) market following the rise of remote work and study while PCs are becoming more advanced with artificial intelligence (AI) for personalisation and technology that supports work collaboration, according to US tech giant Dell Technologies.
"The pandemic is driving the reincarnation of the computer market and making new growth of PCs as consumers and corporates need them for productivity," said Noppadol Punyatipat, managing director of Dell Technologies Thailand.
Corporates need devices that can support cloud-based applications, faster connectivity via 5G and other high-speed networks as well as better security protection with the focus on privacy.
"PCs can be companion devices for users for productivity that serves the trend of working anywhere," he said, adding corporates are now looking into work outcomes from employees rather than the locations where they work.
PCs, which cover desktops and notebooks, are evolving with AI technology as the devices can understand users' preferences and support them with leading applications, Mr Noppadol said.
They can automatically adjust noises in line with the working environment and perform self-diagnosis and self-healing for problems that occur.
PCs will also be delivered by vendors with the necessary software demanded by corporates which are ready for use by employees.
PCs will be embedded with a security system to detect cyberthreats and privacy violations and subject to fast-charging and connected with a 5G high speed network. The devices are also made with recycled materials such as bioplastics to promote sustainability.
In the past, a family of 5-6 members may have had only 2-3 PCs but now each member will have one, according to Mr Noppadol.
Citing a report by tech market research firm IDC, global PC shipments are expected to grow 18.1% to 357 million units this year.
Dell's Consumer Solutions Group recorded revenue of US$13.3 billion in the first quarter, up 20% year-on-year. The amount included $3.5 billion from consumer revenue and $9.8 billion from commercial client revenue.
In Thailand, Dell's sales recorded double-digit growth in the PC market in the first quarter and the momentum is expected to continue into the second half of this year, he said.
During this difficult time, Dell is lending its support to customers, including supporting them with financial programmes through partners and subscription-based services.
In Thailand, the device market, including PCs, is forecast to surge 9.5% year-on-year to 176 billion baht this year. Chip and memory supply shortages are expected to ease this year, he said.
Kanednat Chayamornchattarakoop, senior product technologist for client solutions group in Indo-China at Dell Technologies, said the firm still has strong momentum from corporate users due to remote work as well as students studying online.