Report: PC Sales BoomReport: PC Sales Boom

PC shipments rose more than 17 percent in the third quarter, according to IDC’s Worldwide Quarterly PC Tracker, which was released Monday.

Dell Computer, the largest manufacturer of PCs, saw its growth jump almost 17.8 percent as the firm recorded particularly strong growth in the EMEA (Europe-Middle East-Africa) region. Dell ended the quarter nailing down an 18 percent share of the PC worldwide market. Hewlett-Packard recorded a 16 percent share of that market, said IDC.

HP accomplished a change of executive leadership without major disruption. IDC said HP actually gained momentum, growing 17.9 percent propelled by gains in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions.

The story for Acer continued to be its torrid growth pace of more than 50 percent. “They’re attacking a market that’s still growing – the European market,” said IDC’s Richard Shim, senior research analyst. “Now Acer seems to be gearing up for the U.S.

Finishing third and ahead of Acer was Lenovo, which continued to merge its U.S. IBM operation with its operation in China. While its shipment rates were not up as high as its competitors, Lenovo nevertheless managed to increase shipments 13 percent in the quarter. “The growth reflects the company’s success integrating IBM and Lenovo and growing comfort with the new company among clients,” said Shim.

While Gateway was not a major factor in worldwide markets, the firm grew U.S. shipments 25 percent -- an indication its acquisition of eMachines was going well. Gateway recorded a 6.4 percent market share in the U.S.

Apple Computer also accelerated its shipments, recording gains of 48 percent in the quarter, for a 4.3 percent U.S. market share, IDC said.

“Currently, the economic environment is not the critical factor affecting PC adoption cycles,” wrote Loren Loverde, director of the PC Tracker, in a statement. “What we’re seeing now is a combination of PC replacements and new users responding to low-price milestones.”