Japanese Consumers Turning Away from PCs

For years, maybe decades, pundits have pontificated on the death of the PC... yet, in America, PC sales continue to increase year after year.

Could the party finally be coming to an end for traditional personal computers? Finally, signs seem to be hinting that the PC just ain't what it used to be. In Japan, where almost all computing trends get their start, alternative gadgets ranging from iPods to televisions to gaming consoles are becoming the gizmos of choice for when it comes time to plunk down the yen. Consumers, says the Associated Press, are plenty happy with old PC equipment.

The writing is on the wall: In Japan, PC sales haven't just slowed, they're are already on the decline and have been for over a year. Desktop sales fell 4.8 percent in the second quarter of 2007, and laptops similarly fell 3.1 percent. Companies aren't too thrilled: Hitachi said recently it would abandon the consumer PC market altogether.

The trend will exacerbate as the youth come of age. Unlike the generation before it, these kids are growing up with smart phones, iPods, and gaming consoles as their first, and primary, exposure to technology. The PC is seen as old school, dated, and utilitarian and simply not cool. We'll always need computers, of course, but rest assured, the trend will eventually migrate to our shores... anyone want to pick a year when PC sales start to decline here?

LINK: PCs Losing Their Relevance in Japan