Top 10 computer manufacturing companies in the world

The convenience of working from home, the ability to prepare stacks of written documents, and the freedom to compile a near-infinite volume of data are scenarios made possible by the ‘miracles’ of personal computers and laptops. Although technology has evolved to provide us with smartphones and tablets, there are specific tasks, especially pertaining to academics, professionals, and gaming, which suffice when done on the big screen. Since the 1980s, portable yet powerful desktop computers have proliferated, and now we are at a phase when AI, Big Data, and robotics are also elements of computer manufacturing. However, it is interesting to note that despite the unprecedented developments in computer systems, the personal computer industry is monopolized within the hands of 10 computer manufacturing companies, which account for 90 percent of the global PC market share.

HOW BIG IS THE GLOBAL PC MARKET?

The global PC market is currently valued at a whopping USD 145.2 billion and is estimated to inflate to USD 240.5 billion by 2026, at a healthy CAGR of 8.9 percent. Furthermore, more than three-quarters of internet users from the world’s larger economies go online via desktops and PCs, a pattern that further facilitates the growth of computer manufacturing companies. In 2021, laptops garnered revenue of around 161 US dollars worldwide, while tablets roped in USD 43 billion during the same timeframe. In terms of region, Asia Pacific accounts for a mine-worth of the PC market evaluation, and its share will only increase in the near future. Lastly, the latest market statistics indicate that worldwide personal computer shipments grew about 0.6 percent from 259.7 million in 2018 to 261.2 million in 2019.

Now that we have touched upon the rudimentary aspects of the computer industry’s market value, let us glance at the factors galvanizing the global PC industry at such an unprecedented speed.

WHAT ARE THE DRIVING FACTORS FOR THE GLOBAL COMPUTER MARKET?

The crucial factors that are driving the global computer market are –

• Technological Advancements – Needless to say, the world of computers is inundated with upgraded features, prompting customers to invest in newer models. For example, the integrated graphics of Intel, CPU cores (AMD), or HDMI inputs changed from 360p to 1080. The fear of missing out is real, and the churning out of new features in personal computer compel one cohort of the technologically-sound population to buy newer models, a factor driving the industry by leaps and bounds.

• Internet Usage – The number of internet users is increasing by more than 7 percent per annum. In addition, an average internet user spends over 6 hours 42 minutes per day online. These jarring figures are one of the pertinent reasons why we can witness an ever-increasing growth of the personal computer industry.

• PC Replacement Cycle – The leading computer makers design their devices so that consumers can easily replace their PCs every couple of years. The current market is designed to make replacement feasible for consumers vis-à-vis price, quality, upgraded features, and likewise

• Market Size – Another factor driving the worldwide PC market is the rapidly growing population, especially in the Global South. We can see an emerging trend where aspirational products are highly popular in growing economies such as India. The computer industry, primarily the domain of laptops, caters to the practical and ‘lifestyle’ needs of an upcoming urban population in developing economies. The leading computer manufacturing companies are constantly devising novel methods to penetrate these rising markets and expand their reach.

• Competition – Although it may seem uncanny, competition between tech giants also fuels the growth of the global PC market to a considerable extent. For instance, the constant feud between Apple and Google affects the PC market by compelling companies to produce cheaper, better, more innovative, and desirable products.

• Prices – The prices of computers are lower than ever, so consumers can afford them. In addition, the mushrooming of financial and EMI services that enable people to buy digital goods on installment, especially in the developing countries of India, Brazil, etc., is also driving the global PC market.

After analyzing the six factors driving the global computer market, it is time for a quick tour of the ten bigwig computer manufacturing companies that possess hegemony over the industry.

WHO ARE THE TOP 10 LARGEST COMPUTER COMPANIES IN THE WORLD?

1. Lenovo – Established in 1984 and currently headed by Chinese entrepreneur Liu Chuanzhi, Lenovo is the largest computer manufacturer in the world by market share, which is about 24 percent of the total. It is a Beijing-based company that deals in PCs, tablets, laptops, smart devices, and solutions for data centers worldwide. Its accessible, affordable, and innovative laptop and PC series, such as ThinkPad, IdeaPad, Legion, and YogaPad, contributed to the company’s record shipment of 62.97 million units in 2019.
2. HP – Hewlett Packard, abbreviated as HP, is the second largest computer manufacturing company with a global market share of 22.2 percent. The Palo Alto, California headquarters of this worldwide IT firm belongs to an American enterprise. HP sales are mostly from printers and popular PC models such as Envy, Omen, and Pavilion Gaming. The United States is the company’s largest regional market, holding almost 30 percent of the market share. In addition, HP has been working on reducing the environmental detriments of products with strategies like the Waste Recacapture Project, wherein it sends computers to recyclers to produce new computer components.
3. Dell – Thirdly, we have the American computer maker, also incorporated in 1984 by Micheal Dell. The current global market share of Dell stands at 16.8 percent. Some of the company’s popular series include Inspirion, Latitude, and XPS. Recently, Dell has started a green packaging and recycling project to reduce its carbon footprint.
4. Apple – A world-leading tech company started by legendary Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak in 1976, Apple.Inc has become the fourth largest computer manufacturer worldwide, with a market share of 7 percent. Apple products’ innovative designs and superior computer prowess have made the company an industry stalwart. Its iMac, Macbook Pro, Macbook Air, and iMac Pro are some of the top-selling products worldwide.
5. Acer – It is a multinational, Twainese hardware and electronics company ruling the current PC industry. With a global market share of 5.7 percent, Acer is a computer maker that has etched its name in gold. The company provides an assortment of gadgets, such as smartphones, desktops, laptops, tablets, etc., at an affordable price. Japan and North America are two of Acer’s most prominent regional markets. 
6. Asus – Another Taiwanese multinational hardware and computer manufacturer, Asus, comes sixth on the list with a global market share of 5.5 percent. The company is famous for its affordable yet innovative laptops with powerful processors, long-lasting batteries, hardcore graphics, and durable design. Most of the company’s sales come from series, such as Chromebook Flip, Vivo, Zenbook, etc.
7. Microsoft – It is one of the oldest computer manufacturing companies in the world. Microsoft is not only the global pioneer of software; it also produces gadgets, including numerous smartphones, laptops, and accessories. The annual revenues of the company are almost USD 87 billion. Surface Book Pro and Surface Book 2 are Microsoft’s most popular computer series. 
8. Samsung – It is a South Korean multinational conglomerate renowned for producing high-tech gadgets. It was Samsung that introduced the world’s first folding laptop, known as Samsung Galaxy Fold. Currently, some of the company’s popular series include Chromebook Pro and Galaxy laptop range.
9. Toshiba – It is a Japanese computer manufacturer famous for producing some of the best notebooks with unmatched durability and powerful specifications at budget-friendly prices. Battery life and fast-charge technology are two areas where Toshiba excels. Toshiba’s Dynabook has a long history of being one of the most popular PC models in the world.
10. IMB – International Business Machine, abbreviated as IMB, is an American multinational computer manufacturer that practically invented the concept of ‘personal computers’ by making them accessible to the general population in the 1990s. Some of its renowned ranges include ThinkPad and the IMB Lotus SmartSystems.

So, there we have it, the ten most prominent manufacturers of computers in the world. It is interesting to note that the top six computer manufacturing companies account for 81.3 percent of the total computer shipment globally.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

Behind the enormous success of computer manufacturers like Lenovo or Asus are unsung heroes that serve the company’s technical needs and help them climb the ladder of power. For example, Absolute PCB is one such company that caters to top-tier computer makers of the world with its high-quality circuit boards. Without circuit boards, the creation of computer systems is incomplete. Hence, companies like Absolute PCB drive the global PC industry with reliable products.