PC sales grow in Japan as coronavirus drives up telework and e-Learning

Japan Times -- Jun 24

Sales of personal computers are increasing in the nation thanks to demand from workers shifting to teleworking, in order to prevent infection with the novel coronavirus.

In a bid to win business opportunities related to changes in work styles amid the epidemic, PC-makers have launched products suited for online conferences and equipped with enhanced security features.

According to research firm BCN Inc., sales of notebook PCs grew 46 percent in April year on year and 51 percent in May.

The spikes reflected robust demand from teleworkers and students attending online classes introduced at universities across the country amid the virus crisis.

Before the outbreak, PC sales had been projected to shrink, due to a pullback in demand after a last-minute surge before the end in January of Microsoft Corp.’s support service for its Windows 7 operating system.