Personal Computers in 33% of US Households

Software Publishers Association Fourth Annual Consumer Study Finds PCs in More Homes and Being Used More Diversly

55% of PCs Sold in 1994 have CD-ROM Drives

March 14, 1995 (San Diego, CA) -- The Software Publishers Association (SPA) announced today the results of its fourth annual study of computers in the home. The use of home personal computers exploded in 1994, with household penetration of PCs reaching 33% in early 1995, an all-time high.

Buyers are also taking advantage of the latest technology available, as high powered machines dominated home PC sales in 1994. In fact, a full 57% of IBM compatibles purchased in 1994 contained 486 chips.

If the home PC market in 1994 were described in a word, it would be 'more'," said David Tremblay, SPA Research Director. "Far more households are using PCs now than were a year ago. They are spending more time on their PCs, and are using more types of application."

Of all the computers purchased for home use in 1994, over 60% of buyers said that this was their first home PC. Three-quarters of both first-time and experienced PC purchasers said that at least one person in their household utilized a computer at work.

Among other key survey findings:

The 1994 survey results are based on a nationwide random sample telephone poll conducted by Public Opinion Strategies. More than 500 consumers who are the primary in-home decision makers about computer software and hardware purchases were interviewed.

The Software Publishers Association is the principal trade association of the PC software industry. Its 1,100 members represent the leading publishers in the business, consumer, and education markets. The SPA has offices in Washington, DC, and Paris, France. SPA press releases are available on-line through CompuServe (GO:SPAFORUM).