Apple ranks No.2 on PC buyer survey

Apple is expected to make major inroads in the PC market this back-to-school season, according to one report. A recent survey published by TechnoMetrica Market Intelligence suggests a large increase in potential buyers placing second with 11 percent of those saying they would prefer Apple. HP tied with Apple, while Dell maintained a sizeable lead with 41 percent, according to Investor's Business Daily. Dell, however, saw a 14 percent decrease since April of this year. Those looking to buy desktops specifically see Apple at No. 2 with 16 percent of the market, a 10 percent increase since May. Industry watchers believe they are seeing a large rub-off effect from the continued success and praise of Apple's iPod digital media players.

After Apples recent move to Intel processors and its release of Bootcamp software, many consumers feel they have the most options and a complete solution with Apple. There are no longer the 'limitations' placed on Apple users, forcing them to adhere to Mac OS-specific software releases. Apple is flexing its marketing muscle to tout the company's hardware as much faster than previous versions, along with the numerous advantages to using and owning Macs via its recently expanded 'Get a Mac' advertising campaign. Apple has, since TechnoMetrica began surveying users in 2002, reached its highest point.

The Cupertino-based company may also benefit from stronger educational institutional sales and student desktop sales following its introduction of a new education-specific iMac yesterday. The new iMac is based on Intel processors like its consumer counterparts, but boasts a price tag of only $899.

Filed under: Apple