14 DAY TRIAL // The impending release of Microsoft's Windows 8 operating system, scheduled for October 26, should have caused some ripples on the PC market by now, but there is none to be had, even now.
We aren't saying that everyone should be up in arms ordering computers left and right. Consumers can't really buy anything if nothing of what they seek is available yet, in this case Windows 8 PCs and parts.
Nevertheless, PC brand vendors and manufacturers should have increased their inventories in preparation for the new OS.
Previous reports and analyst forecasts have suggested that this was indeed happening, but a more recent one states that PC demand, or at least demand for PC chips, is still low.
Analog IC (integrated circuit) suppliers have had to go through a continuous downward spiral in terms of global PC demand ever since the third quarter.
Basically, even though, openly, IT players hope that demand for personal computers will spike later this month, and in November (2012), they aren't very optimistic deep inside.
It doesn't help that previous releases of the OS didn't cause a sudden wave of desktop and notebook replacements, but a gradual transition.
At this point, no one has very high hopes, despite all the hype raised around the OS, so ODMs and OEMs can do nothing but adjust their inventories to best prepare for both the best and the worst.
Recently, AMD introduced the Trinity-based A-Series desktop accelerated processing units, opening new doors for those who want to build themselves a new PC.
Sales aren't like to skyrocket though, even with the incredibly low prices, until Windows 8 launches, and even then they may be lukewarm. As cynical as it sounds, we surely aren't the only ones who feel that we've witnessed more disappointments than wonders the past few years. Windows 8 will either compensate or fall short.