Computer sales slump worldwide

In the first quarter of 2023, according to official figures, worldwide sales of computers slumped considerably compared to the previous year. The market researchers at IDC report that 56.9 million computers were sold. That would be 29 million or 23.3 million fewer than in the same period last year.

Many companies, but apparently also many private households, are postponing more or less expensive purchases indefinitely. They are in crisis mode and only make unavoidable new purchases. So the old computer continues to be used, even if faster models have long been available.

With the approach of Windows 11, which is based on the highest possible hardware requirements, Microsoft is acting contrary to the trend of the times. Nevertheless, many retailers are hoping for the expiry of security updates for Windows 10 in 2025, when there should be a large number of new purchases, IDC predicts.

We are noticing a trend towards very inexpensive devices. One of our best sellers recently was the HypTech mini-computer for 70 euros. It runs under Linux with Firefox, the mail client Thunderbird and LibreOffice. Unfortunately, we cannot deliver the device: it is currently sold out in Europe in mid-April 2023 and will probably be back in stock in May.