IDC: The Business Case for Ruggedized PCs

The past few years have witnessed a sea change in the personal computing industry, with a shift away from desktops and toward notebook computers. Despite the very difficult economic climate, worldwide notebook sales to the commercial market in 2009 expanded to account for a record 43.2% of PC client shipments, up from 25.6% in the six years prior. This success has been fueled by factors such as the mobility and convenience notebook computers provide. They are now viewed as critical productivity tools vital to the proper conduct of business across a broad range of industries. But convenience and portability come at a cost. Because notebooks are so mobile, they are much more susceptible than desktops to dangers such as the wear and tear of travel, airport security, and everyday accidents such as bumps or spills. IDC believes that a sound notebook procurement strategy should incorporate clear metrics regarding product quality with an eye toward durability.