STAMFORD, CT – Western Europe’s personal computer sales were 20.1 million units in the fourth quarter of 2008, up 12% year-over-year, according to Gartner Inc.

"If it wasn't for mini-notebooks, the overall Western European market would be showing a decline. This does not bode well for 2009, as we expect the general economic conditions to worsen," said Ranjit Atwal, principal analyst at the research firm.

Hewlett-Packard and Acer, leaders in the area, boasted shares of 23.2% and 20.3%, respectively, with Dell holding 10.1% of the market, says Gartner.

ASUS and Toshiba held 7.4% and 6.4% market share, respectively.

PC shipments grew 17.2% in the region last year compared to 2007, reaching 66 million units.