PCs: Not Dead Yet

Over the past few years, the traditional perception has been that the personal computer – formerly the beating heart of the digital cosmos – stood on the precipice of obscurity. The digital age, with its unprecedented pace, seemed to herald a new era ruled by nimble and compact mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets. These sleek technologically advanced gadgets were predicted to usher PCs into the company of such relics as time-sharing terminals and electric typewriters.

At the zenith of this prophecy, the introduction of Apple’s iPad into the market in 2010 catalyzed a precipitous decline in the year-on-year sales of PCs, a blow that many pundits considered the death knell for the personal computer. In this notably seasonal business, the rapid decline in sales initially appeared to confirm the gloomy prognosis.

Contrary to the predictions, however, recent data paints a significantly different picture. According to the market research firm Gartner, global PC sales, far from perishing, have stabilized, and are even showing signs of moderate growth. This underlines the resilience of personal computers in a market that is increasingly tilted in favor of mobile gadgets.

The stabilization of PC sales underscores its enduring relevance in numerous areas, particularly in businesses, professional settings, and gaming. Despite the convenience and portability of tablets and smartphones, PCs have maintained their stronghold as the preferred choice for tasks that require extensive computational power, multiple screens, and a more ergonomic hardware interface. Businesses globally continue to invest in PC workstations owing to their superior functionality and productivity-enhancing features compared to mobile devices.

In the gaming industry, PCs are far from obsolete. PC gaming continues to flourish, with its market size projected to reach USD 45.5 billion by 2021, according to a report by PwC. Gaming PCs are revered for their supreme processing power, superior graphics, and customizable hardware, attributes that offer a more immersive gaming experience compared to consoles and mobile devices.

While the convenience and versatility of mobile devices are undeniable, they have not managed to eclipse the personal computer. Instead, both platforms seem to have found a harmonious co-existence by catering to different needs.

Debates about the mortality of PCs seem to have overlooked realities in many parts of the world. According to a recent WEF report, in countries with developing economies, PCs continue to provide the primary gateway to the internet due to their affordability and durability.

As technology evolves, PCs too are experiencing a renaissance. With advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the Internet of Things, PCs are set to play a significant role in the digital future. Far from triggering their demise, the proliferation of digital technology only serves to cement the PC’s place in the heart of the digital universe.

As we continue, it is prudent to rethink the narrative around PCs. Rather than viewing them as technology relics destined for doom, it is much more accurate to regard PCs as stalwarts and an essential cog in the evolving digital landscape.

*This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.*