Pandemic interest in computers is waning

Global PC sales fell in the first quarter, pointed out by the news server CNBC. The rapid growth in PC sales during the pandemic is now apparently over.

According to Gartner, worldwide shipments of personal computers fell 7.3 percent year on year to 77.5 million units. This was mainly due to a sharp drop in shipments of Chromebooks, which are low-cost laptops running Google’s operating system and popular in schools. However, excluding Chromebooks, shipments increased by 3.3 percent.

Chrome OS isn’t just a random choice for cheaper machines. For one thing, manufacturers don’t have to pay for a license, which unnecessarily increases the overall purchase price. For another, it’s considerably simpler compared to Google’s Windows system.

It can run briskly even on slower and logically cheaper components, thanks to this. What’s more, Chrome OS laptops also generally offer lower power consumption—so they last longer on battery life—and hushed operation, as they can get by with passive cooling.

The top six manufacturers

IDC said PC sales fell 5.1 percent to approximately 80.5 million units. The top six PC makers by units shipped include Lenovo, HP, Dell, Apple, Asus, and Acer.

The drop in shipments in the first quarter is in stark contrast to the industry’s tremendous growth rate last year. In the first quarter of 2021, PC sales grew fastest in 20 years as consumers and businesses bought new laptops and desktops for telecommuting and education. PC sales increased by about 15% in 2021, returning to 2012 levels after years of slow or no growth.

Global chip scarcity

However, computer manufacturers are also struggling due to a global chip shortage. Companies have also halted shipments of new computers to Russia.

Manufacturers of computers and key components for their production, such as processors, had hoped that the pandemic would create a higher sales base for the industry. But some analysts warn that there are signs that growth could slow drastically because several people have already bought new computers.