Apple now the largest 'PC maker' in the world - report

Research firm Canalys, that counts tablets from Apple and Samsung as PCs instead of mobile devices, reported Tuesday that Apple, helped by strong iPad sales, retook the overall lead with an estimated 19% share of global PC shipments.

According to the firm, global client PC shipments rose 12% year on year in Q2 2012 as growth in tablet PCs more than compensated for disappointing sales of Ultrabooks. The new iPad had the biggest single impact on growth rates in the quarter, but Asus and Samsung made progress with their Transformer and Galaxy Tab product lines.

"Reports that poor economic conditions and the wait for Windows 8 hurt the PC industry this quarter do not tell the whole story," said Tom Evans, Canalys Research Analyst. "The PC industry is performing well and 2012 is shaping up to be a record year. Vendors with innovative products will reap the rewards."

Total tablet shipments increased 75% to 24 million units, representing 22% of all PCs. iPad clocked bulk of these sales. "There is now a large base of replacement buyers that simply must have the latest Apple product, and the decision to continue shipping the iPad 2 at lower price points has opened up new customers, for example in education," Evans added.

Samsung was the leading Android tablet vendor in Q2, more than doubling its Galaxy Tab shipments compared to a year ago. It remains Apple's chief challenger in tablets, but Asus made the biggest gains this quarter, particularly in the US, following the launch of the TF300 at a sub-$400 price point. It is now the third largest tablet vendor globally.