PC shipments have suffered the worst quarterly decline since records began. That’s the finding of a new report published by global market firm IDC.

GI.biz reports that for the first quarter of 2013, 76.3 million PC units were shipped worldwide, marking a decline of 13.9% year-on-year.

This is the biggest quarterly drop since records began in 1994, suggesting that PC sales really are struggling as alternative formats and the rise of tablets are taking its toll. Worse still, the IDC initially only predicted a 7.7% drop for the quarter.

Vice president of Clients and Displays at IDC Bob O’Donnell said in a statement, “At this point, unfortunately, it seems clear that the Windows 8 launch not only failed to provide a positive boost to the PC market, but appears to have slowed the market.

“While some consumers appreciate the new form factors and touch capabilities of Windows 8, the radical changes to the UI, removal of the familiar Start button, and the costs associated with touch have made PCs a less attractive alternative to dedicated tablets and other competitive devices.

“Microsoft will have to make some very tough decisions moving forward if it wants to help reinvigorate the PC market.”

What’s your take on the above? Is Windows 8 solely to blame?