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More than 1 billion PCs are in use around the world, Gartner announced

Recently released research conducted by Gartner indicates there are more than 1 billion personal computers in use globally, and that number may double by 2014.

Nearly sixty percent of PCs in use today are owned by users in the United States, Japan, and Europe, Gartner said. The emerging market has 42 percent market share, but that number could be as high as 70 percent by 2014.

Most large computer companies are dumping more money into developing nations, where PCs, notebooks and cell phone makers see a limitless market. These nations are slowly building the necessary infrastructure, often times with help of tech companies, and have growing economies and demand for technology.

Broadband growth and the declining costs of PCs will help further drive the growth of PCs in emerging markets.

The international market for computers constantly sees owners upgrading their machines, while older machines get sold or given away to other owners, with aging PCs either recycled or thrown away. Around 180 million PCs will be decommissioned this year, and unfortunately many of the PCs will be sent to landfills where potential environmental contamination is possible.

“We estimate a fifth of these, or some 35 million PCs, will be dumped into landfill with little or no regard for their toxic content,” said Meike Escherich, Gartner researcher.

The high number of PCs thrown away every year has computer manufacturers worried, and they have recently started to launch different initiatives to help recycle computers.