Laser printer shipments in Australia and New Zealand took a tumble in Q2 due to “challenging economic conditions”, according to an IDC survey. It says the overall A/NZ printer market recorded a 10 percent year-on-year and 5 percent sequential growth in Q2.However, overall shipments hit 760,000, some 20,000 short of expectations – largely due to the shortfall in laser shipments. And IDC forecasts the A/NZ printer market will drop 11pc sequentially in Q3

Laser shipments dropped 2pc year-on-year due to excess stock, following a strong Q1 and minor supply constraints as a result of the Japan earthquake. But a 15 percent rise in inkjet shipments saw the overall market driven upwards.

“IDC recognises an emerging trend of inkjet printers priced under $400 being positioned as low-end colour laser model substitutes, while at the same time being able to offer ‘laser-quality’ print output,” IDC says.

H-P, thanks to its E-print technology, together with an expanded portfolio in the sub-$1000 category, maintained its top market share at 42 percent. In contrast, Brother shipments dropped 17pc, putting it in third place on 15pc behind Canon on 20pc.

IDC forecasts the A/NZ printer market will have dropped another 11pc sequentially in Q3.