Early data has IDC forecasting that PC shipments this quarter might drop 10%, roughly 2% more than it thought a few weeks ago.

It's also predicting a mid-single digit drop in Q2 and is uncertain if shipments will increase in the second half.

IDC said "Even getting to positive growth in the second half of 2013 will take some attractive new PC designs and more competitive pricing relative to tablets and other products."

China, now the world's largest PC market, with 21% global share last year, slowed in February because of the timing of the Chinese New Year and government budget cuts as well as anti-corruption measures.

Tablets and the lack of fizz in Windows 8 sales are also having an impact.

EMEA, Latin America and Asia-Pacific excluding Japan are believed to be performing as previously forecast while "supply chain data indicate room for a slightly larger downward adjustment," according to IDC.

On the brighter side - at least for Apple - Mac sales were up 14% in January and February according to NPD.

• Lenovo Beats Records in PC Shipments and Revenues