The Gartner research group (http://www.gartner.com) is lowering its personal computer forecast for 2011 and 2011 based on expectations of weaker demand for mobile computers thanks to devices such as the iPad.

Gartner expects 2011 computer unit growth has been lowered to 10.5% and the 2012 growth reduced to 13.6%. However, the research group expects things to pick up over the long haul.

Gartner forecasts that global computer shipments will reach 387.8 million in 2011. For 2012, the research group is eyeing shipments totaling 440.6 million units.