SINGAPORE (AFP) - Computer sales in the Asia-Pacific region, excluding Japan, rose 26.2 percent to 41.7 million in 2005, industry research firm Gartner said.

"The economic confidence in the region and significant promotions on notebook (computers) were the catalysts that drove demand," said Lillian Tay, principal analyst for Gartner.

The fourth quarter of 2005 also saw strong growth, with 11.6 million units shipped, a 32.6 percent increase over the fourth quarter in 2004, Gartner said.

China, Hong Kong and India boosted the professional market which grew 34 percent, more than the home market which increased 31 percent, it said.