Call it a point for the people who argue we're moving into a "post-PC world:" new data from analysis firm IDC shows the fourth quarter of 2012 “marked the first time in more than five years that the PC market has seen a year-on-year decline during the holiday season.”
IDC reported Thursday that despite the launch of Windows 8, worldwide PC shipments hit nearly 90 million units. That's 6.4 percent lower than what they were at the same time in 2011.
"Although the third quarter was focused on the clearing of Windows 7 inventory, preliminary research indicates the clearance did not significantly boost the uptake of Windows 8 systems in Q4," said Jay Chou, senior research analyst with IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, in a statement.
"Lost in the shuffle to promote a touch-centric PC, vendors have not forcefully stressed other features that promote a more secure, reliable, and efficient user experience. As Windows 8 matures, and other corresponding variables such as Ultrabook pricing continue to drop, hopefully the PC market can see a reset in both messaging and demand in 2013."
Of the PCs that did sell, HP retained its top spot as the world’s number one PC vendor. The company notably hit its first year-over-year growth in Asia/Pacific in four quarters.
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