During the pandemic, laptop demand skyrocketed as employees
needed the devices to work from home en masse. However, chip
shortages exacerbated demand issues and factory closures around the
world complicated supply chains.
In 2023 the WHO and other government agencies declared the
pandemic officially over, but now new dynamics are at play for PC
makers. Laptop demand has plummeted (see chart below) and many
companies are laying off workers to reduce costs.
We believe PC-as-a-Service (PCaaS) could be a solution that PC
makers can use to save themselves from this slowing demand while
offering better value to buyers.
All of the major PC manufacturers offer a version of PCaaS-which
essentially bundles hardware, software, support, and financing
associated with PC lifecycle management into a predictable monthly
fee per seat. At the right price point, PC manufacturers may have a
receptive audience in corporate FP&A, IT, and procurement to
entertain this model.
