Forrester based its research by analyzing technology, education and urbanization growth, as well as income distribution patterns, in the 67 largest markets based on population. Forrester attributes the PC-use growth in part to tech companies making their products accessible and more affordable, responding to global demand.
And as prices continue to lower and tech-awareness spreads to more communities worldwide, Forrester predicts that Brazil, Russia, India and China alone will account for 775 million new PCs by 2015.
"There is nothing more important to the long-term health of the technology industry and personal technology in particular than the ability to deliver relevant, accessible and affordable technology to the billions of people worldwide who have not been exposed to it," Forrester Vice President Simon Yates, who authored the study, said in his report.
T3 Report founder Brandon Shalton told XBIZ that it is important to be skeptical when looking at studies predicting technology growth, but since having a computer and Internet access is becoming as necessary as having a telephone, he can see the sense in Forrester's conclusions.
Shalton also sees the increase in PC use directly affecting the online adult industry, for both good and bad reasons.
"It means more content will be created, more adult websites will be launched and more marketing towards this new group of consumers," Shalton said.
He also sees computers becoming a viable alternative to visiting brick-and-mortar stores, especially in regions where they are not easily accessible or legal.
However, as companies such as Microsoft make their products available in more countries to a broader demographic, the creation and promotion of parental controls and online filters is likely to increase.
"Microsoft is pushing hard with Windows Vista to offer more parental controls so parents will feel 'safer' to have their kids have access to the Internet," Shalton said.
Having this supposed safety assurance, he said, could be the justifying reason for adults to spend money on a new PC.