Other than slowing down consumer spending, the economic downturn is deterring businesses from buying new computers for their workers.
The typical lifespan of an office computer is three years before it's replaced by a new one, but 46 percent of businesses are postponing on purchasing upgrades because it's one of the easiest ways to cut costs, according to a *Wall Street Journal *story. Though to the average consumer three years may not seem very long to merit an upgrade, office employees use their computers heavily and tend to wear them down faster. In consequence, slower computers (and massive layoffs) amount to office productivity taking a big hit.
Of course, fewer enterprise computer sales are affecting tech manufacturers as well, which is why research company IDC is projecting U.S. PC shipments will drop 1 percent in the fourth quarter compared to quarter four of 2007. The good news for consumers is that companies are slashing computer prices up to 30 percent to boost demand, but lower prices don't necessarily bode well in a collapsing economy.
How Old Is Your Work Computer? [WSJ]
Photo: Brian X. Chen/Wired.com
