The Decline of The PC!

According to the latest press release from IDC (the world’s leading technology media, events and research company) the total number of PCs shipped worldwide was 76.3 million units, down 13.9% when compared to the same quarter in 2012 which is worse than the forecast -7.7%. This quarter was also the worst for PC shipments since IDC first started tracking the market in 1994.

One of the main reasons identified for this decline is the rise of smartphone and tablet sales. For the PC market to compete with smartphones and tablets it needs to introduce touchscreen capabilities and also improve the form factor, people are not interested in bulky PC’s anymore!

The main great hope for the PC market was the launch on Windows 8 but this was met with a weak reception. According to Bob O’Donnell, IDC Program Vice President, Clients and Displays –

At this point unfortunately it seems clear that the Windows 8 launch has not only failed to provide a positive boost to the PC market, but appears to have slowed the market. While some consumers appreciate the new form factors and touch capabilities of Windows 8, the radical changes to the UI, removal of the familiar Start button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less attractive alternative to dedicated tablets and other competitive devices. Microsoft will have to make some very tough decisions moving forward if it wants to help reinvigorate the PC market.

The top vendor was HP with a 28.5 percent market share followed by Lenovo, Dell, Acer, Asus, Apple and Toshiba. (In that order)