The market for laptops declined by 8.7% compared to the last quarter of 2020 (4Q2020) in 1Q2021. Nevertheless, it has been perceived to have more or less thrived in the Covid-19 era, thanks in large part to the remote-learning boom and the vast preference for Chromebooks among educators. On that note, the second quarter of the year is traditionally the peak buying season for schools, which means the laptop market might be in line for a good 2Q2021.
DigiTimes' latest research suggests that laptop (defined here as this form factor excluding those PCs with detachable keyboards) shipments will reach 62 million for that quarter at least: a 10% increase compared to 1Q2021. Many top players in this market are expected to do well individually; then again, Lenovo's growth might be impaired as a Japanese educational program with which it is associated comes to an end in that quarter.
Furthermore, Apple is not expected to do that well in 2Q2021, as its focus will be on its new iMacs and iPad Pros instead. However, Dell is projected to do a "brisk" trade from the North American enterprise and educational spaces, whereas Acer and Asus might do well out of the Chromebook and gaming sectors respectively.
Finally, Samsung is likely to have a good 2Q2021 in this market, as it is now demonstrably taking it more seriously with its latest releases.