Acer Dominates 37% of Chromebook Market in Q2: ABI Research Data

In Q2, 2014, another strong quarter, Chromebook shipments increased 67% quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) and the annual shipments are forecast to double the previous year's, according to technology market intelligence firm ABI Research.

Taiwanese personal computer (PC) vendor Acer continues lead other vendors, including Samsung, HP, and Dell, by dominating 37% of the market in Q2. The top-three vendors – Acer, Samsung, and HP – accounted for 74% shipment share during H1, 2014, and are forecast to maintain market dominance through H2.

A laptop running the Chrome operating system, Chromebook  designed primarily for use online, with most applications and data residing in the cloud. Acer launched the new device in mid-2011, followed by Samsung (2011) and Lenovo, HP and Google itself (early 2013).

“Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective and can also provide the versatility and functionality of a laptop,” says Research Analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. “The growth of the Chromebook market demonstrates a niche that is gaining traction among consumers.”

Hesitant demand for Chromebooks by consumers undermined the slow start of these devices, with vertical markets such as elementary education still being a driving force, ABI Research says. In emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, business purchasers account for 75% of Chromebook sales.

ABI Research also forecasts that North America will account for 78% of the Chromebook market by 2014, while other regions, especially Asia-Pacific and Western Europe, are expected to grow in market share by 2019.

In late 2013 Chromebooks entered the market when notebook sales declined and tablet PC sales rose. In contrast, H1 of 2014 has seen slowing tablet growth and revival of the notebook market. “Chromebooks may be a fad similar to the netbook, but the form-factor design and low price tag draws considerable interest that may be a longer term trend,” adds Van Vactor. “Chromebooks may have more of a place in the market than originally anticipated, especially as more vendors jump on board and sales continue to grow."