In 2012, worldwide PC shipments decreased by 3.5% to 352.7 million units, compared with 365.4 million in 2011. These figures are from the preliminary results of research firm Gartner. Earlier, a similar report was released by IDC which reported a decline in annual PC shipments by 3.2% to 352.4 million.

According to Gartner, reduction in shipments is due to the change in consumer priorities.

"The tablets have dramatically changed the device landscape for PCs. Rather than replacing older PCs, the consumers prefer to buy tablets" Cnews reports quoting Mikako Kitagawa, Gartner principal analyst.

Nevertheless, Gartner analysts tried to console PC manufacturers, saying demand will decrease first of all for models with weak hardware stuffing, which  will lead to an increase in average selling cost of computers.

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