Dell takes huge hit as Apple laptop sales soar

'Halo effect' generated by demand for iPhones has caused a transformation in Apple's laptop sales

By Jonny Evans, Macworld.co.uk, IDG News Service
August 21, 2007

New research indicates that Apple laptop sales have soared to new highs on the back of a new halo effect for the company's products generated by clamor surrounding the iPhone.

A ChangeWave survey confirms first intimations of the move as indicated in a previous such survey in June. A survey run across the first week of August now describes a "transformational shift" that is propelling good fortune for Apple -- but denting Dell.

The survey of 3,665 ChangeWave Alliance members asked those who bought a computer in the past 90 days which manufacturer they had bought it from. The survey then asked those planning to buy a computer in the next 90 days which manufacturer they'd be buying from.

In an ongoing alteration of the consumer PC landscape, Apple laptop sales have surged to a new all-time high over the past 90 days -- up from 12 percent in June to 17 percent currently. Apple desktop sales (7 percent; down from 8 percent) have been solid but unspectacular during that same time period.

But it's the future that truly represents the change. A total of 28 percent of respondents who plan to purchase a laptop in the next 90 days say they'll get a Mac -- maintaining the momentum originally observed by ChangeWave's June survey. An additional 23 percent say they'll buy a desktop Mac.

"These results are great news for Apple, and they serve as powerful evidence that the 'halo effect' is indeed translating into real world Mac computer sales for Steve Jobs and company," said Tobin Smith, founder of ChangeWave Research and editor of ChangeWave Investing.

Apple satisfies. The poll claims 86 percent of those who bought a Mac over the past 90 days report being "Very Satisfied" with their purchase -- by far the highest of any manufacturer.

Dell's market share is taking a huge hit. Just 30 percent of purchasers say they bought a Dell desktop in the past 90 days. This represents a 7-point drop for Dell since June -- down to the second-lowest percentage it's recorded for desktops in a ChangeWave survey. Similarly, Dell laptop purchases (24 percent) have fallen 4 points to a new all time low.