PC sales expected to pick up

EVER since the iPad was launched in 2010, people have been talking about when, not if, the demand for traditional PCs would disappear altogether.
And while figures have been charting a downward trend in desktop and notebook sales every year since, it looks as if demand, particularly in mature markets like the US and Europe, is starting to pick up.
IDC's Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker suggests that shipments in those regions could increase by as much as 5.6% over the course of this year. And, one of the reasons for unexpected growth is because after four years, people who had given up on their PCs in favor of tablets are beginning to realize that for some jobs, only a computer will do.
"Direct competition from tablets seems to be waning," said Loren Loverde, Vice President, Worldwide PC Trackers who also points out that the adoption of other devices, such as tablets and smartphones has enabled consumers and businesses to delay upgrading an existing computer.
However, factors such as Microsoft ending support for Windows XP - an operating system millions of users loved - plus computer makers' attempts to integrate tablet-like functionality into their devices means that people are back in the market for a new desktop or notebook.
"Programs to reduce PC prices, such as Windows 8.1 with Bing, have helped to improve PC shipments in some segments," said Jay Chou, Senior Research Analyst, Worldwide PC Trackers.
"Coupled with a shift toward more mobile PCs, the market has seen a quickened pace of innovation and a focus on price points.
Nevertheless, the prospects for significant PC growth in the long term remain tenuous, as users increasingly see PCs as only one of several computing devices."
One area of the computer market that has been performing well has been the cut-price notebook area, a space that is becoming dominated by Chromebooks that use Google's cloud-based operating system and apps rather than traditional hard disk installed applications.
Chromebooks' growing popularity with students and occasional PC users is expected to lead to increased competition from similarly affordable portable computers that run Windows such as the HP Stream.
When it launches later this year, it will cost US$199, run Windows 8.1 and have a 32GB hard drive. However, it will also have 100GB of free cloud storage. – AFP Relaxnews