report excerpt
The workstation market experienced another solid quarter in Q4'17, shining brightly in a few respects. First, volume hit another record high of 1.30 million, reflecting YoY growth of 5.4% (and a within-the-norm sequential gain of 3.8%). Second, ASPs showed surprising strength, tipping up modestly to let revenue not only hit a record of $2.47 billion but show a more robust 6.2% YoY growth. Third — and admittedly a less exciting observation — the growth numbers sit in a range that this analyst would think a sweet spot. It's robust compared to GDP and certainly compared to the broader PC market, but it's not overly hot to indicate an unsustainable burst like we've seen in the past. Solid but sensible growth in Q4'17 ... not a bad thing!
The mobile workstation's share of the overall market spiked to 34.5% in Q4’17. Not only is that the highest level it’s ever hit, but it interrupted three straight quarters of moderating share. Despite the progress it’s made, however, when it comes to volume the mobile workstation still pales in comparison to the deskside workstation.