PC sales outlook grows gloomier

ZDNet News: “When IDC released its preliminary second-quarter numbers last month, it had forecast a slight
increase in the fourth quarter of this year and a turnaround beginning in the first half of 2002.

Now, the second-quarter data looks worse than previously expected. As a result, IDC will lower
its PC market forecast and extend its expectations for a decline in the U.S. and European markets
somewhat further into 2002.

The company is now predicting that sizable recoveries of key markets, including the United
States, will not occur until 2003, though a small amount of growth is still expected for 2002.
Troubles in Japan may last longer.”