Christmas binge extends to PCs

People like to indulge themselves at Christmas and this year it seems that PCs are high on their lists.

According to a report from Time Computer Systems, 70 per cent of people purchasing a PC for Christmas are buying it as a gift for themselves rather than as a present for someone else or the family.

Consumer confidence may be back, but the report says buyers are still cautious about their spending. Sixty-nine per cent of respondents said price was the most important factor affecting their buying decisions.

Only 2.7 per cent felt that after-sales service affected their choice, while 8.2 per cent cited brand name, and 16.5 per cent were attracted by the amount of free software included.

Over half of those surveyed were first-time buyers and claimed to know little about computers. But 62 per cent felt chip performance and speed were important.