Get ready for a tech-filled holiday season! A recent report from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) paints a rosy picture for the PC industry, with sales expected to skyrocket as shoppers gear up for the holidays. The report, based on a survey of 1,205 U.S. adults, reveals that a whopping 51% are planning to buy a laptop as a gift this year, while 35% are opting for desktops or PCs. This represents a significant increase of nearly 10% compared to last year’s holiday season.
The appeal of laptops extends beyond the holiday season, as they also top the list of desired gifts overall. It seems like a lot of people will be unwrapping shiny new PCs this year! When considering all types of tech gifts, the survey predicts a staggering 233 million Americans will be making tech-related purchases. This remarkable trend reflects a significant shift from 2007, when only 46% of respondents planned to buy tech gifts, compared to a remarkable 89% this year.
So, what’s driving this surge in PC demand? The CTA suggests that the buzz surrounding AI-powered PCs may be a contributing factor. However, other studies indicate that consumers are primarily drawn to the latest PC models as part of their regular upgrade cycles. The looming end-of-life for Windows 10 is also likely motivating many to invest in newer machines. Coupled with the excitement surrounding improved battery life in recent laptop models, the timing is perfect for a major PC upgrade cycle. This trend echoes the massive demand for PCs at the beginning of the pandemic, when everyone was working and learning from home.
Beyond PCs, the report highlights other popular tech gifts: tablets (55%), webcams (26%), printers (35%), and Wi-Fi mesh routers (31%). When it comes to the most coveted gifts, laptops reign supreme, followed by tablets, smartphones, wearables, and gaming consoles. While many are buying tech gifts for children under 18 and spouses, it seems like your colleagues and friends might be skipping the laptop gifting this year.