Shipments of personal computers fell by 18 percent in the third quarter of 2022 as IT departments trim budgets amid the global economic slowdown, according to Oct. 10 reporting in The Wall Street Journal.
Laptop demand particularly dropped, as laptop shipping volume fell by 19 percent in the third quarter. Analysts at market research firm Canalys project that inflation and climbing interest rates will cause the downturn in computer shipments to continue into 2023.
IT departments are instead spending on the upkeep and maintenance of existing employee laptops.
"Businesses are exhibiting greater caution by extending device refresh cycles as they weather the current uncertainty," Canalys Senior Analyst Ishan Dutt said.