PC Sales Suffering "Longest Decline" in History

PC sales are experiencing the longest sales decline in their history according to the latest figures.

Research firm Gartner (via BBC) reports that worldwide PC shipments fell to 76 million units in the second quarter of this year, a 10.9% drop from this period last year. As the fifth quarter in which decline has occurred, this officially makes it "the longest duration of decline in the PC market’s history."

With regards to why this is happening, Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner, posited that the increasing popularity of tablets was to blame thanks to their lower price point.

"In emerging markets, inexpensive tablets have become the first computing device for many people, who at best are deferring the purchase of a PC," he said.

What do you reckon? While PCs will always have a crucial following for gaming, does the increasing quality of tablet games like Deus Ex: The Fall make them a viable alternative? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

Luke Karmali is IGN's UK Junior Editor. You too can revel in mediocrity by following him on IGN and on Twitter.

Source : ign[dot]com