According to the latest data from IDC, global computer shipments fell 20.1% in the third quarter of the year (July-September) compared to the same period last year, reaching 62.7 million units. This is the second consecutive quarter of decline, following a much smaller drop of 3.8% in Q2. Shipments in Q3 also fell by 9.1% compared to the previous quarter, so it’s anything but a great situation for the industry.

There are some things to keep in mind, though. These reports talk about shipments and not sales to consumers. IDC notes that during the first half of the year, retailers loaded up…