PC unit sales could see 10 percent drop in Q3: analyst

PC unit sales could fall as much as 5--10 percent in the third-quarter from a year ago, according to Jefferies analyst Peter Misek's latest research note published late on Monday night.

Misek sees a troublesome time ahead for PC builders following a single-digit drop in PC shipments in the second quarter, particularly with Dell and HP.

It comes after he estimates what was a low drop in second-quarter PC shipments.

It also follows only a month after the two PC makers saw their target prices cut with analysts suggesting: "Windows 8 will prove to be a disappointment, at least out of the gate."

Misek suggests Microsoft --- following its Surface tablet announcement earlier this month --- will compete with its own OEM partners that will likely "confuse end users." He adds that Huawei could expand to Windows 8 tablets, as well as Windows Phone 8 smartphones, which will likely "create pressure on HP and Dell."

While the tablet and ultrabook markets appear separated and distinguishable from one another, the Windows 8 hybrid of part tablet, part notebook will likely be approached by OEMs "cautiously." The Windows tablet space is still up in the air and will be for some time --- understandably --- as Microsoft tries to take on Apple.

In an earlier note he said Windows 8 could "accelerate tablet cannibalization as the operating system focuses on touch," despite the consensus thinking Windows 8 will boost PC sales.

Windows 8 will more likely impact the consumer market than the enterprise, as "users of conventional non-touch notebooks and desktops could be confused by much of the new user interface."

All in all, Misek signs off his cheery note with: "Windows 8 is unlikely to drive much of a positive consumer PC upgrade cycle in the fourth-quarter."

Misek cut price estimates on Dell, which he lowered to $13 from $15, and HP down to $21 from $23 --- only weeks after reducing his target price to $23 from $30.

Image source: Microsoft/CNET.

Related:

• ZDNet: Windows 8 will “disappoint”: Analysts cut price targets on HP, Dell
• Microsoft's big bet: Windows 8's 'too many cooks' problem
• Windows 8 tablet hybrids: ‘Compromises of convergence’?
• AT&T mobile chief: Windows 8 can boost Windows Phone
• Can Windows 8 tablets be priced low enough to compete with iPad, Kindle Fire?
• Windows 8: Does Metro actually work?