Figure 1 shows Coughlin Associates historical data for HDD unit shipment growth year-over-year from 2002 to 2011, estimated for 2012 and projected into the near future.
"Lenovo delivered another terrific quarter, with shipment growth of 32.9% compared to the same period in 2009, " read the report, which noted that the Chinese computer maker had achieved year-over-year shipment growth in excess of 30% for every 2010 quarter.
The company is hoping to increase production and shipment at a time when many solar panel manufacturers are closing factories because prices for solar panels have tumbled over the past year.