According to a report published by International Data Corp., first quarter global computer shipments dipped 14% as compared to last year. The decline is almost double than the forecasted figure, which was pegged at 7.7%. In fact this is the worst quarter for PC shipments since 1994 when the International Data Corp. started keeping track of quarterly PC shipments. Weak economy is not the only thing that is hurting PC sales, more and more customers are opting for mobile devices. Windows 8 was expected to give PC shipments a boost, but so far it has failed to do so.
IDC’s analyst Bob O’Donnell says that while consumers appreciate the new form factors and touch capabilities of Windows 8, the major changes in UI, removal of Start button and rising costs associated with touch enabled PCs are driving users away to dedicated tablets. Right now there are no signs that the decline in traditional PC sales is going to end in the near future. Perhaps it is time PC manufacturers stepped up their game? What steps do you think PC manufacturers should take to plug the decline as soon as possible?