The percentage of US consumers who plan to buy an Apple laptop or a Dell desktop has increased, according to ChangeWave Research, which surveyed 3,699 consumers between October 23 and November 3.
The bad news is that those were the only bright spots. The company’s research director Paul Carton said it found a “massive breakdown in consumer spending,” with only 8% of respondents saying they planned to buy a laptop in the next 90 days, compared with 11% a year ago.
Around 6% said they planned to buy a desktop, down from 8% a year ago and among the 8% which plan to buy a laptop in the next three months, one-third said they planned to buy an Apple, up from 29% in September.
Only 27% who plan to buy a desktop computer said they’re going to buy a Mac, up slightly from September, but down three points from August. Planned purchases of Dell desktops increased 11 points to 37%. Planned purchases for Dell laptops (33%) are up 2 points.
Asked why, respondents most frequently said, “Good value.” Carton warned that the recession is picking up steam so “tremendous caution” is needed when interpreting the results.