I agree and see the same trends here in America. The fact is most people now use their PCs for fairly mundane tasks like web browsing and email. There is no need to run out and buy the latest multi-core processor for that. The bottleneck is in the network and not in the processor running under your desk. I doubt the majority of home users even run apps like MS Office at home (my wife and I have it and use it a few times a year). I upgraded my 3 old machine from 512 to 1.5 GB memory and it now runs Vista just fine (upgrade from XP). The only niche that needs to upgrade hardware more often is PC gamers who want the fastest processors, motherboard and latest videocard.
I’m a long time Windows-PC user and am thinking about making the jump to Apple/Mac OS X for my next purchase. Since it is looking more competitive on price and can dual boot with windows. But that won’t be until my current PC really breaks down or becomes truly obsolete.
Most people (myself included) now would rather save their disposable income for flat screen TVs, gaming consoles and handhelds. Rather than shelling out for a new PC that gives little performance gains in any real terms.
typo correction: meant to type 3 *year* old machine
I have an old machine I never use. I mostly do my computer stuff on a laptop and I’m trying to get rid of my desktop..