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.

Research firm IDC has reported its numbers for the computer industry worldwide for Q4 2008. With the global economy down, the results of the numbers will not be a surprise to many consumers. Along with the numbers, the company also lists the top Pc makers globally and in America.

IDC reports that the global PC market shipments were down 0.4% on for the last quarter of 2008 compared to the previous year. Shipments were down by 2.5% compared to Q3 of 2008. It’s very odd to see shipments decline in Q4 when holiday shopping typically sees Q4 as one of the busiest of the year.

Unless you live under a rock you know that the economy in the U.S. and abroad is taking a beating right now. Despite the slow economy PC sales and shipments have continued to grow. Some research firms attribute the continued growth in part to the shipment of netbook computers.

IDC reported today that CPU shipments for Q3 2008 hit record highs. Worldwide CPU shipments for PCs grew 14% compared to the previous quarter and grew 15.8% over the previous year. The research firm reports that the Atom from Intel contributed significantly to the overall market performance. Even taking the Intel Atom out of the equation IDC reports that the CPU market grew by 8.3% from the previous quarter and 8.7% from the previous year.