What Has Caused The Massive Decline In PC Sales The Past Two Years?

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In the beginning, there was Windows 95. This marked a milestone in computer technology. Whenever there was an update to Windows or even a service pack, Microsoft would often add new features to the Operating System or at the least it would add options that helped your computer run faster or more efficient. People were excited; everybody was running out to get a new computer with this great operating system. Computer sales began to soar.

When Windows 98 was introduced, it added a lot of new functionality and speed to the computing experience. Again it stirred a lot of excitement and consumers happily went to their favorite store to get the latest and greatest system. Remember, at that time computers cost way more then do now. They are very inexpensive today compared to the Windows 98 era.

With the introduction to Windows XP, the best operating system on earth was born. The operating system offered more speed and the ability to add more ram and even included many of the most common drivers that you needed for adding items such as printers and scanners. Sales of XP were brisk and lots of folks who already had a decent computer were simply just upgrading their systems. Even so, there was a rush to the nearest tech store to either buy new hardware or a brand new faster computer to add this fine operating system to. PC sales were brisk and people were buying new computers like they buy new cars today. The main reason? Because it was generating excitement! Even with the introduction of all these new operating systems, the main interfaces remained about the same, allowing folks to be comfortable with their experience.

The introduction to Windows Vista and Windows 7 was about the same. They added more features, better security but Microsoft kept many of the fine features that made Windows the best operating system on earth. Computer sales were still good, but they did slow down from the earlier years primarily because almost everybody already had a computer. The sales slowed mainly due to saturation of the market.

When Microsoft was trying to introduce Windows 8, it was obvious that they were trying to use a mobile-based operating system on a PC. Essentially, they did not want to create software that was only for the PC. The talk of the “Metro” look and the elimination of the Start menu turned off most Windows users. Once they rolled out the new OS, most brick and mortar stores only wanted to carry Windows 8. If you went shopping, you had no choices. There was NO excitement. There was no reason to head out to your favorite store and buy the new operating system. Microsoft took away all the features that made Windows an enjoyable operating system to use. It did not have any extra speed, in fact in our tests it was actually slower then either XP or Windows 7. Customer complained but Microsoft did not listen. They refused to budge and bring back the look that Windows users have had and loved for over 10 years. As a result, folks are either keeping their older systems or are migrating to Mac or going mobile. There is very little reason to get that bright new PC.

While it is true that mobile devices have helped in the PC sales slump, you cannot do everything with your Android. The main reason is Windows 8. While Microsoft has their own mobile device to run Windows 8, the gadgets are expensive and the apps at the Microsoft store are far and few compared to Android or Apple. Although Microsoft claims to have sold millions of copies of Windows 8, what they don’t know is how many folks reverted back to their trusty Windows 7.

So, one might ask what is the solution? Retail stores need to start stocking Windows 7 Computers along with the dreaded Windows 8. In addition, Microsoft needs to extend the sale period for Windows 7 as well. This will help to add more excitement into the computer world and generate some much-needed PC sales. If this was implemented, I just might be the first one at Best Buy’s door!

© Joe Zelenak Tech Writer.