SAN FRANCISCO: Global personal computer shipments face a deeper-than-expected 7.8% slump this year as tablets overtake laptops for the first time, according to a report from market research company IDC.
The firm previously had forecast a 1.3% decline in PC shipments for 2013 but said in a report on Tuesday that consumers content with tablets are continuing to hold off replacing ageing laptops and desktop computers.
According to IDC, by 2015 Tablet sales will not outstrips PC sales but also laptop sales.
Driven by growth in inexpensive devices running Google’s Android platform, worldwide tablet shipments will expand 58.7% this year, while average selling prices for the devices will fall 10.8% to $381, IDC said.
Since Apple launched the iPad in 2010, PC industry heavyweights like Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Intel have struggled to adapt their products to consumers’ growing preferences for mobile devices.
PC shipments are expected to fall an additional 1.2% next year, according to IDC.
