Analyst firm Gartner says that the launch of Microsoft’s Windows 8 operating system had little effect on PC shipments in the fourth quarter. The firm’s analysts said that, "Some PC vendors offered somewhat lackluster form factors in their Windows 8 offerings and missed the excitement of touch."
However the company said that Windows 8 may see an up-tick as new products come to market. "New products are coming to market, and this could drive churn within the installed base," it noted.
Gartner has said that PC sales across the board have been driven down by consumers switching their focus to media tablets.
"The PC market continues to face many headwinds. The launch of Windows 8 had no impact on PC demand, especially as Ultramobile products were both limited in supply, as well as being priced too high," said Ranjit Atwal, research director at Gartner. "The holiday season mostly saw retailers clearing Windows 7 notebook inventory or driving volume of low-end notebooks. Furthermore, the increasing choice of tablets at decreasing price points no doubt became a favourite Christmas present ahead of PCs."
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