Will Windows 10 save PC sales?
Not even sure why this is a question. Simple answer; no.
The PC market on the whole is shrinking. Not just Windows based PC's. And it isn't shrinking either in anticipation of Windows 10, or because of operating system quality.
It's shrinking because, while the market isn't disappearing, the segment hit it apex and is returning to more normal levels. It will likely level off somewhere in the next 5-10 years.
Sure, there is probably some percentage of people who are holding off on buying a PC until after Win10 launches. And those numbers are likely to cause a small rebound within the sphere of Windows 10 PC's, but it won't be sustainable or long term growth.
Most people own a PC or Laptop, and many people will continue to own those devices. They just won't buy as many or as often as they used too. Phones are where people seem most willing to upgrade regularly and subsidies make it possible for just about anyone to get one.
When I left for University (what feels like ages ago now), we had 1 family PC, yet everyone had a BlackBerry. Nowadays my family is a bit odd with most of us owning more PCs than smartphones, but my older brother who has two daughters old enough to own such devices is more like the typical family where smartphones outnumber both PCs and Tablets, and probably both combined in many households.
And it isn't really hard to see why. Computers are much better at some things, especially productivity related work. But phones are as good or better for just about everything else, and they often win out simply by virtue of being the device that is always with you even when they aren't as good. The subsidies mean just about anyone can get a "free" phone as well. Another huge plus over a PC.
So, no, I don't really see Windows 10 causing any noticeable change in PC sales, especially not in the long run. And, see no value in even speculating about it.
The PC market on the whole is shrinking. Not just Windows based PC's. And it isn't shrinking either in anticipation of Windows 10, or because of operating system quality.
It's shrinking because, while the market isn't disappearing, the segment hit it apex and is returning to more normal levels. It will likely level off somewhere in the next 5-10 years.
Sure, there is probably some percentage of people who are holding off on buying a PC until after Win10 launches. And those numbers are likely to cause a small rebound within the sphere of Windows 10 PC's, but it won't be sustainable or long term growth.
Most people own a PC or Laptop, and many people will continue to own those devices. They just won't buy as many or as often as they used too. Phones are where people seem most willing to upgrade regularly and subsidies make it possible for just about anyone to get one.
When I left for University (what feels like ages ago now), we had 1 family PC, yet everyone had a BlackBerry. Nowadays my family is a bit odd with most of us owning more PCs than smartphones, but my older brother who has two daughters old enough to own such devices is more like the typical family where smartphones outnumber both PCs and Tablets, and probably both combined in many households.
And it isn't really hard to see why. Computers are much better at some things, especially productivity related work. But phones are as good or better for just about everything else, and they often win out simply by virtue of being the device that is always with you even when they aren't as good. The subsidies mean just about anyone can get a "free" phone as well. Another huge plus over a PC.
So, no, I don't really see Windows 10 causing any noticeable change in PC sales, especially not in the long run. And, see no value in even speculating about it.
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