Buoyed by increased demand, the total personal computer sales in the country registered a growth of 28 per cent during the October-December, 2006, quarter to 1.39 million units.

This was led by a significant growth in laptop sales, which grew by 56 per cent, according to figures released by apex body MAIT on Tuesday.

"The strong macro-economic conditions and buoyant buying sentiment in the market, led by demand from various industry verticals will push the total PC sales to cross 6.5 million units in fiscal 2006-07," MAIT said in a statement.

The desktop computer sales crossed 1.2 million units in the third quarter market, registering a growth rate of 24 per cent. The sales in this segment are expected to be buoyant in the January-March quarter.

As per the MAIT figures, the lesser-known regional brands and unbranded systems accounted for 45 per cent of the PC sales while the branded ones accounted for 55 per cent.

The high growth in laptop sales could be attributed to the drop in their prices and the additional benefit of mobility and space management.

With laptops now available at sub-Rs 30,000, they are increasingly finding their way into the homes, SMEs and the education sector, MAIT said.

In the desktop market, primarily banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, educational institutes, retail sector, IT and ITes companies were the main consumers.