“Black Friday” Computer Sales Up Significantly From 2004

SAN DIEGO, CA -December 2, 2005– Personal computers made impressive sales gains during the 2005 Black Friday week, which ended November 26, 2005. Data derived from Current Analysis’ Retail Panel participants, demonstrated that during Black Friday week, U.S. retail sales of personal computers saw an overall increase of 35% in unit sales and 11% increase in revenue. This represents a turn around when compared to Black Friday week 2004, where unit sales of personal computers increased by only 7% and revenue decreased by 3%.

Black Friday 2005 Results:

Notebooks
Notebooks led the charge within the personal computer market by increasing unit sales by 48.6% and revenue by 21% during Black Friday week. In addition to leading growth, the notebook category sold more units (52%) than desktops (48%). This is the first time notebooks led desktops in unit sales during a holiday period.

Desktop Computers
Although it did not experience the explosive growth of the notebook category, the desktop category produced a sizable year-over-year increase of 23% in terms of unit sales. However, due to falling prices and aggressive holiday promotions, desktop retail revenue declined 4% from the previous year. Despite the revenue decline, the 23% growth of the desktop category is a clear indicator that desktops, particularly within the value space, cannot be ignored.

In addition to personal computers, Current Analysis tracks the retail sales of other consumer electronics products. Additional results of the Black Friday study will be announced at the company’s complimentary telebriefing, “This Isn’t Your Father’s Black Friday,” on December 8, 2005, at 9:00 a.m. PST. Please visit www.currentanalysis.com or e-mail pr@currentanalysis.com to register.

Contact:

Matt Sargent
858-729-5376
msargent@currentanalysis.com

Chalise Zolezzi
858-729-5287
czolezzi@currentanalysis.com

About Current Analysis: Current Analysis is the industry benchmark for excellence in navigating today’s markets, serving as a critical, third-party expert in market and product analysis by offering competitive response solutions in the telecommunications, information technology and consumer electronics industries. Current Analysis enables sales teams, marketing professionals, product managers, and executives to continuously anticipate and counter competitive threats while offering solid solutions to emerging obstacles.

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