According to a new study by NextGen Research, the computer accessories aftermarket amounted to US$6.575 billion in 2008, and will reach $7.64 billion by 2013. The US market will see little growth over the forecast period, according to NextGen Research, while emerging markets, especially China, will be fertile ground for computer accessories.

Observes NextGen Research research director Larry Fisher, buying new accessories rather than replacing computer systems is “not unlike clothes shopping. You may not want to buy a whole new suit or a new dress when money is tight, but a new tie or a new necklace can help create the appearance of a totally new ensemble.”

Fisher notes that businesses and consumers alike are looking for accessories that support their mobility without sacrificing power, and which allow them to stay in touch with the home office and the home. Accessories vendors hope to take advantage of strong growth in the burgeoning netbooks category by offering wireless devices that expand the ease of use of these smaller computers, as well as devices that connect these mobile devices to home systems.

An aftermarket computer accessories category that stands out is gaming controllers; manufacturers report strong sales as consumers respond to the recession by turning to stay-at-home gaming as an alternative to more expensive out-of-home activities. Similarly, vendors of wireless connective devices that link computers, TVs, and audio equipment report that they are seeing breakthroughs as a result of consumers’ search for stay-at-home entertainment options. This trend is likely to continue.

Not all the news is positive, however. Traditional input devices such as mice and keyboards are seeing pressure from touchscreen monitors that allow users to perform many of the input tasks of those devices.

“Manufacturers insist there will always be a need for the keyboard but don’t seem as adamant about mice, except in the gaming category,” says Fisher.

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