Sales of PCs during the Christmas season in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) were up 14 per cent increase compared with 2006, with shipments passing the 88 million mark.

Notebook sales in the region rose by 30 per cent, while desktop trading remained flat, say the figures from analyst IDC.

Predictions for this year are also positive. But industry consolidation may pose a threat.

"2008 will benefit from continued growth in the portable space and from an acceleration of the business refresh cycle," said IDC director Karine Paoli.

"But as the market further commoditises, the industry faces increasing business model and marketing challenges.

"Market share concentration among a smaller number of players, already evident this quarter, is likely to continue," she siad.

HP, Acer, Dell and Toshiba were amongst the top perfomers.