PC sales up, Mac sales down 6 percent

Posted on Tuesday, February 24 2009 @ 3:10 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
Last year Apple posted significant growth rates for its Mac computers but as the state of the economy gets worse and worse, people are no longer running wild for expensive Mac computers. The latest research figures from NPD Group indicate Mac sales in the US fell 6 percent in January 2009 in terms of units sold compared with the same month a year ago, and 11 percent in terms of revenue.

Sales of Windows PC on the other hand were up 13 percent in terms of units, while revenue was flat as consumers preferred less-expensive models. This is a problem for Apple as Mac systems are significantly more expensive than their Windows counterparts. NPD analyst Stephen Baker believes Apple will need a new iMac desktop and a $799 MacBook if it wants to increase its marketshare.
NPD analyst Stephen Baker said Apple sales fell for two reasons: price and the fact that the iMac desktop has not seen a refresh since April.

Baker believes that people who are shopping based on price will be more likely to choose a low-end Windows PC, whether a laptop or desktop, rather than pay more for a Mac. Apple fans, on the other hand, are probably delaying purchases until the economy improves.

"I don't think there's a lot of Apple people switching," Baker said. "We think people just aren't buying."


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



Loading Comments