FRAMINGHAM, MA - The worldwide PC market remained strong in the fourth quarter as smaller businesses and holiday demand pushed sales 13.7% higher, IDC said today.

Total shipments rose to 51.5 million units for the quarter, the seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit growth. Shipment growth topped earlier projections of 13%.

For the year, shipments were up 14.7%, to 177.5 million units.

IDC forecast 10% growth worldwide in 2005.

"PC replacements and new investment should continue to drive commercial growth at least through the end of 2005," said Loren Loverde, an IDC director.

The top five companies are Dell, HP, IBM, Fujitsu/Fujitsu Siemens and Toshiba. Apple grew more than 25% during the quarter, a significant improvement over prior quarters, reflecting the introduction of the G5 iMac as well as the "halo effect" from the popularity of Apple's music business.