Desktop PC sales may be on the decline but they are still used widely throughout the UK, proving popular with older generations reveals our latest research. Whilst almost everyone owns some form of mobile device, desktop PCs are still prevalent, but is it time to upgrade?
We found that 53 per cent of UK adults use a desktop more than once a week, with 67 per cent using one at home. But the trend amongst younger generations clearly points to mobile devices including tablets, laptops and smartphones:
- 88 per cent of 18-24 year olds use smartphones more than once a week
- 83 per cent of 18-24 year olds use laptops more than once a week
- 49 per cent of 18-24 year olds use tablets more than once a week
This is in comparison to 42 per cent who desktops more than once a week. University studies and work may still be a key driver of this usage as the IT infrastructure of many organsiations still relies on desktops.
Desktop computers owned by millennials go unused
Brits may not be looking to buy new desktops in the next 12 months (only 7 per cent said they were) but they can still be found in homes and offices up and down the UK and they are particularly prevalent amongst older generations.
79 per cent of over 55s own a desktop that is still used compared to just 37 per cent of 18-24 year olds. 45 per cent of 18-24 year olds are planning to ditch the desktops they do own, showing a shift in the devices millennials choose to use to fit in with their lifestyles. Overall, 39 per cent of Brits own unused desktop PCs.
The tablet trend
More and more people are owning and using multiple devices for different purposes, whether that’s a tablet to watch films when travelling or laptops to write essays, and the research higlights a clear trend towards use of tablets amonst Brits. 60 per cent use a tablet more than once a week, supporting the evidence that there has been strong market penetration for tablets in the UK. Since 2010, iPad owners have increased from 1 per cent to 29 per cent in 2017 (Statista).
But perhaps surprisingly, its 35-44 year olds who are most likely to own a tablet (52 per cent). Tablets are most commonly used for:
- Surfing the internet – 67%
- Shopping online – 58%
- Communcation (social media/emails) – 53%
- Video/photos/listening to music – 48%
- Admin e.g banking – 38%
Our product manager Frank Gerwarth says, “Whilst many people may still own a desktop, they’re gathering dust in the corner of the room as more portable, easy to use devices fit in with modern lifestyles and the need to be able to be connected and access videos, emails and work on the move. Millennials are driving this shift in computing choices. The time has come to make the switch from traditional desktops to mobile devices that offer the best of both worlds.“
Brits remain unconvinced by 2 in 1 convertibles
Despite the rise in popularity for tablets, convertible devices are yet to establish themselves as real contender to the desktop. 84 per cent never use 2 in 1 devices, despite the combined advantages of a laptop and tablet that they offer. Only 5 per cent own a convertible device in the UK.
According to IDC however, this is an area expected to grow, as demand for devices with a keyboard option increases and traditional tablet users make the switch over. As mobile phones continue their trend of bezelless and bigger screens, consumers are expected to rely on these devices even more for their online needs too, elbowing traditional desktop PCs even further out of the picture.
Image: Adobe Stock, infographic: Reichelt elektronik
