PC market shrinks for the first time in a decade

[Pob255]

well the Intel Haswell isn't exactly going to blow your computer out of the water, everyone will be happy with Sandy/Ivy Bridge and I think Intel will suffer further as the jumps aren't so big anymore for desktops.

Perhaps PC processor technology has reached a plateaux.

I don't think it's processor tech that's plateaued as much as software load.
A lot of people out there are still happily using socket775 and AM2+, part of why the weak cpu's of tablets and smart phones work is that the every day uses of them don't need a high end cpu.

But I wouldn't worry about desktops disappearing any time soon, all those lovely "app's" people love are all created on desktops after all.

[pp05]

On CNET yesterday they ran a story that Intel is pulling out of board market. They will focus on high end and tablets.

[Jack Foz]

Most people now use tablets and smartphones to browse the internet and do online shopping. Its sad that this is happening and I can only see it getting worse as tablets and phones get better

[Skashion]

Wrong time for me to become a PC gamer, hm? I'm kidding, nothing will hold me back!

Never fear, whilst PCs in general are suffering from casual users going over to tablets and smartphones, PC gaming is in rude health at the moment. It continues impressive growth, there are more active Steam accounts than XBox Live accounts, and Microsoft and Sony have transitioned towards PC architecture which should mean quicker and better ports for us. On top of that, even though PS4 has just come out, the average PC gamer is already on par or near it (with the high-end stuff well in front). In two or three years time the bog standard gaming PC will be capable of 4K resolutions whereas console gamers won't have that until the next generation.