Analysts slash PC sales forecasts

 

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By Reuters

Posted on 3 Dec 2008 at 17:23

IDC has slashed its PC sales forecasts for 2009, as consumer spending continues to fall.

IDC, which tracks sales of technology products, previously forecast that global PC shipments would rise 4.5% next year, but now claims they will drop by 5.3%.

Total unit shipments of machines from companies including Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Lenovo, Acer and Apple are likely to rise 3.8% next year, down from 12.4% growth in 2008, IDC said.

IDC had previously forecast unit shipment growth of 13.7%.

"What has changed is primarily a reaction to the economy," says Loren Loverde, an analyst with IDC. "There is a discrepancy between the growth in units sold and value of those PCs because prices are falling as consumers and businesses budget less for new PCs.

"Buyers are watching their pockets a little more closely. They are less inclined to upgrade or get that faster processor."

"A company or individual might want a PC. If they could get the same credit terms as last year they might buy a PC. but credit is tighter," he says. "Removing credit really has an impact on who can buy."