Consumer spending seems unsustainably strong given weak income growth, shrunken wealth, and tight-fisted banks.

ECONOMIST: The economy

The research firm now sees PC units up 5% in 2012, down from a previous forecast of 10.1%, reflecting not only the weak economy but also the impact of tight disk-drive supply due to the floods in Thailand.

FORBES: Gartner Cuts 2012 Chip Growth View To 2.2% From 4.6%