While Japanese consumers, in the past, were slow to bring computers into their homes, that trend has changed. Though Japan's economy remains lethargic, PC sales there have risen to record levels, increasing 28 percent in April-September over the same period in 1999. The Japan Electronics and Information Technology Industries Association also says that online purchases have increased 50 percent and that increased investment in information technology has led to higher corporate profits. PC makers, facing a US market that already has nearly 80 percent penetration, is eager to serve the Japanese market which has PCs in only half that number of households.

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