Consumers are keeping smartphones, tablets and PCs longer

Consumers are holding on to their tablets, laptops and smartphones for longer periods, leading Gartner to predict a 1% contraction in shipments of all types of devices globally this year.

The Gartner forecast, announced Wednesday, is a reversal from one quarter ago when the research firm predicted overall growth of 1.5% for devices globally, when compared to 2014.

"Replacement activity across all types of devices has decreased, said Ranjit Atwal, a Gartner analyst. "Users are extending the lifetime of their devices, or deciding not to replace their devices at all."

Even smartphones are being used longer by consumers, although smartphone shipments are expected to increase 14% in 2015 compared with a year ago, Gartner said.

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