Chromebook Shipments Reach 2.1 million for 2013, and are Forecasted to Reach 11 Million Shipments Worldwide by 2019

An estimated 2.1 million Chromebooks shipped in 2013 with nearly 89% of total shipments reaching North America, according to market intelligence firm ABI Research. As Chromebook shipments expand globally, ABI Research forecasts an increase of CAGR 28% to 11 million in 2019.

“ABI Research tracked Chromebooks across six regions and found the average selling price (ASP) to be US$338,” says research analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. “This truly budget-driven device is a disruptive force to the portable PC market.” The ASP and shipment growth of Chromebooks shows the market responding to products for the budget conscious; a reaction from a slowly reviving economy along with interest from the education business vertical.

Beyond Chromebooks, ABI Research found the broader portable PC market continuing its struggle to regain market growth. The ultraportable segment, which is powered by the Windows 8 operating system and includes the versatile 2-in-1 configurations, saw minimal growth during 4Q 2013 even with the holiday season. ABI Research also saw the ASP of ultraportables decline in 2013 by 7.4% year-over-year. We predict ASPs will continue to decline through 2019 as competition for share of wallet from mobile devices and other form-factors continues.

Looking ahead, ABI Research expects cost, connectivity, and greater reliance on cloud services to be driving forces in growth for ultraportable PCs. Chromebooks have the potential to change the market and consumers are still undecided but nonetheless intrigued. “There are many events that can shift the market in 2014, including the EOL of Windows XP, the adoption of Chromebooks, and a stronger focus on web and cloud services,” adds senior practice director Jeff Orr. “How consumers and business audiences respond to these changes will impact the trajectory of the market.”

These Ultrabook, Netbook, Chromebook, Notebook, and Smartbook Market Data findings are part of ABI Research’s Media Tablets, Ultrabooks and eReaders Market Research.

ABI Research provides in-depth analysis and quantitative forecasting of trends in global connectivity and other emerging technologies. From offices in North America, Europe and Asia, ABI Research’s worldwide team of experts advises thousands of decision makers through 70+ research and advisory services. Est. 1990. For more information visit www.abiresearch.com, or call +1.516.624.2500.