Lenovo, Asus and Dell lead PC upswing but Acer stutters

Gartner's most recent data on PC shipments made more upbeat reading than usual, following quarter after quarter of dismal global sales.

In its report for the second quarter of 2014, the analyst body reported: "After eight quarters of declining shipments, worldwide PC shipments experienced flat growth in the second quarter of 2014… Worldwide PC shipments totaled 75.8 million units in the second quarter of 2014, a 0.1 percent increase from the second quarter of 2013."

However, Asia-Pacific was less rosy, with a 9.5 percent decrease over the second quarter of 2013.

"Despite the decline in shipments, there are some signs of stabilisation, with minimal declines and flat growth in mature Asia Pacific countries and China."

Gartner has not yet published country-level data for Australia.

Lenovo was the shining star of all the major manufacturers, extending its lead to a 19.2 percent share of the worldwide PC market – although the story in our region was not so upbeat.

"PC shipments grew by double-digits in all regions except Asia Pacific. Lenovo’s shipment growth in Asia Pacific was still faster than the regional average," reported Gartner.

Lenovo's shipments grew 15.1 percent, quarter-on-quarter. Close behind was ASUS, with 12.8 percent growth, and Dell, up 12.5 percent.

HP also came in for some praise for its renewed channel push and Meg Whitman's PartnerOne program.

"HP achieved its fastest global PC shipment increase in the last four years [since the second quarter of 2010].

"The company has put a lot of effort into restoring its PC business, including the review of the product family and stock keeping units (SKUs), as well as revitalising the channel partner program," according to Gartner.

Acer was the worst performer, falling 7 percent, the only major vendor to post a decline.