The slow global economy is hurting the PC market. Demand for computers is up and what computers are selling are being sold at lower than traditional retail prices leading to reduced revenues for computer makers. Many consumers are also resorting to cheaper computers like netbooks as well.

According to research firm IDC, the computer market is in for a big loss in 2009 as PC shipments are expected to drop 4.5% for the year. The company reports that shipment sin Q4 2008 dropped 1.9% in what is traditionally a big shopping season.

PC shipments in 2008 amounted to 34.2 million and shipments in 2009 are expected to be 29 million with those numbers declining each year for the next several years. In 2013, IDC predicts that 23 million computers will ship in America.

IDC