原创 Windows 8 unable to boost PC sales

There was a much hope for Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system to boost PC sales, however it has thus far failed to materialise.

According to the NPD Group, since the Oct. 26 launch of Windows 8, U.S. sales of consumer Windows PC and tablets—including the Microsoft Surface tab—have fallen 21 per cent versus the same period of last year.

Sales of Windows notebooks declined 24 per cent year-over-year, while sales of desktops fell 19 per cent, according to NPD.

The PC market is expected to contract this year for the first time since 2001, as consumers increasingly opt for tablets and other less expensive, more convenient mobile computing devices. Many had hoped that the launch of Windows 8—described as the most dramatic refresh of the ubiquitous operating system in decades—would provide a boost to the PC market, as other Windows launches have done in the past.

Others have already speculated that Windows 8 would not be enough to stem the tide of PC sales decline. Though the new operating system offers some compelling new features and usability, it adds significant cost.

"After just four weeks on the market, it's still early to place blame on Windows 8 for the ongoing weakness in the PC market," said Stephen Baker, vice president of industry analysis at NPD, in a statement. "We still have the whole holiday selling season ahead of us, but clearly Windows 8 did not prove to be the impetus for a sales turnaround some had hoped for."

Windows 8 tablet sales 'almost non-existent'
According to NPD, since the launch date, Windows 8 has captured about 58 per cent of Windows computing device unit sales. In the like four-week period after the launch of Windows 7 in 2009, Windows 7 made up 83 per cent of Windows computing device sales, according to the firm.

NPD said Windows 8 tablet sales have been "almost non-existent," representing less than 1 per cent of all Windows 8 device sales to date.

According to Baker, a less than stellar back-to-school PC sales left a lot of inventory in the channel, which had a real impact on the initial sell-through rates for Windows 8 PCs.

"The strong performance of Windows 8 notebooks with touchscreens—where Windows 8 truly shines—offers some reason for optimism," Baker said. "These products accounted for 6 per cent of Windows 8 notebook sales at an average price of $867, helping to re-establish a premium segment to the Windows consumer notebook market."

According to NPD, average selling prices of Windows computing devices have jumped significantly this year, up to $477 from $433 last year. Windows 8 notebooks boast an ASP nearly $80 higher than comparable Windows notebooks last year, while Windows 8 desktop ASPs are up nearly 10 per cent, according to NPD.

But while Microsoft and PC OEMs might take some solace from the increased ASPs, the cost of the systems is part of the problem. Those who want a Windows 8 PC may be willing to shell out a little more for it, but for those consumers trying to choose between a Windows 8 PC and a $200 Android tablet, it only makes the decision easier.