Worldwide PC shipments dip again in 3rd quarter, but sales are rising in US, Europe

The personal computer market is still ailing, despite showing some signs of recovery in several key markets.

PC sales rebounded in the U.S. and western Europe. But shipments continued to fall in China, Japan and other Asian countries, where more people with smartphones and tablets apparently see little reason to buy laptop and desktop machines.

The contrasts emerged in two separate reports released Wednesday by International Data Corp. and Gartner Inc.

Both research firms paint the same picture: The PC's market's bright spots still haven't been enough to overcome the bleaker conditions elsewhere.

IDC estimates worldwide PC shipments during the three months ended in September totaled 78.5 million units, a 2 percent decline from last year. Gartner pegged the worldwide sales decrease at less than 1 percent.