Apple is poised to overthrow Hewlett-Packard as the number one vendor of portable computers in 2012, according to a Digitimes report. The figure combines shipments of tablet PCs and notebooks.
Apple has hit a strong stride in the last few years, especially with its nearly ubiquitous iPhone and iPad devices. If the report holds true, Apple would reach new heights as one of the most powerful and influential technology firms on the planet.
The report estimates that global shipments of tablets will top 80 million units in 2012, with iPads accounting for 60 million of said units. On top of its iPad shipments, Apple is expected to move 15 million MacBooks in 2012.
HP is looking to ship 50 million notebooks in 2011 and will not be able to keep Apple’s pace with tablet expansion. With an estimated 75 million notebooks and tablets in 2012, Apple will have a clear lead when it comes to mobile PCs.
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A Gartner report from April suggests even bigger growth for Apple iPad shipments than Digitimes, with an estimated 68.6 million iPads to ship in 2012.
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