PC and Mac sales have taken a hit due to the cost of living crisis, according to recently released sales numbers for the first financial quarter of 2023. The International Data Corporation (IDC) Worldwide Quarterly Personal Computing Device Tracker revealed that PC global shipments totaled 56.9 million, which is a decline of 29% compared to the first financial quarter of 2022. While sales are returning to pre-pandemic levels with 59.2 million units shipped in 1Q19 and 60.6 million in 1Q18, Jitesh Ubrani, research manager for IDC’s Mobility and Consumer Device Trackers, noted that “even with heavy discounting, channels, and PC makers can expect elevated inventory to persist into the middle of the year and potentially into the third quarter.”
However, Linn Huang, research vice president of Devices and Displays at IDC, predicted that “By 2024, an aging installed base will start coming up for refresh.” Huang believes that sales should see an uptick as a mix of customers looking to update their PCs, Chromebooks predicted to be in more demand due to worn-out models needing replacements, and more businesses moving to Windows 11.
Despite the decline in PC sales, this presents an opportunity for gamers and other buyers. When there is a lack of sales combined with overstocked inventories, manufacturers need to discount their products to boost sales. This provides a chance for buyers to access gaming laptops and PCs, which are typically expensive. Furthermore, gaming rigs tend to be perfect for productivity since the powerful components support intensive tasks. Mac computers, which are less likely to go on sale, are even better for creative projects.
With holidays coming up, including the Black Friday shopping period at the end of the year, this would be the most opportune time to take advantage of sales meant to completely clear out overflowing stock that manufacturers are currently grappling with. Buyers should wait until the sales start coming in for cheap gaming PC deals or cheap gaming laptop deals. They should take advantage of the discounts before 2024 rolls around, as that’s when PC and Mac sales are predicted to make a comeback.
