UPDATE: PC Sales Growth Below Expectations In 2Q

Global shipments of personal computers rose less than expected in the second quarter, providing the latest evidence of weakness as consumers remain attracted to tablets.

Market researcher Gartner Inc. (IT) said shipments climbed 2.3%, well below its earlier 6.7% projection. Peer researcher International Data Corp. pegged the growth rate at 2.6%, still below its May estimate of 2.9%.

"These preliminary results continue to reflect pressure from competing consumer and business products as well as cautious spending," IDC analyst Jay Chou said. "Nevertheless, product refreshes and promotions in the second half of the year as well as easier year-ago data should boost growth in the second half of the year."

The disappointing results, while an improvement from the declines in the first quarter, underscore challenges facing top PC makers because such tablet computers as Apple Inc.'s (AAPL) iPad are attracting the interest of consumers and corporations alike. Longer lifetimes for existing computers have also weighed on new sales as businesses and customers strive to get more use out of their machines.

"Given the hype around media tablets, such as the iPad, retailers were very conservative in placing orders for PCs," said Gartner analyst Mikako Kitagawa. "Instead, they wanted to secure space for media tablets. Some PC vendors had to lower their inventory through promotions, while others slimmed their product lines at retailers."

Lenovo Group Ltd. (LNVGY, 0992.HK) posted the largest market share gains, coming in at No. 3 with 12% of shipments, according to both firms, up from about 10% a year ago. The Chinese computer maker has been one of the world's fastest-growing PC makers as demand soars in emerging markets.

"We're strong where the market is strong," Rory Read, Lenovo president and chief operating officer, said in an interview. "Our strategy is working and our value proposition is resonating, and that's why we're able to earn being the fastest growing major player on the planet for seven quarters in a row."

He noted that while the company can't control macroeconomic factors impacting the industry, Lenovo remains focused on gaining share and executing on its strategy around enterprise and emerging markets.

Acer Inc. (ACEIY, 2353.TW), meanwhile, saw its market share fall to 11% and dropped two spots to fourth place. Gartner said its share was 14% a year ago, while IDC put Acer's share at 12% a year ago. The company previously benefited from demand for netbooks--tiny, no-frills laptops--but saw its position falter as the market saturated.

Market share for Hewlett-Packard Co. (HPQ) and Dell Inc. (DELL), the top two vendors, was flat from the previous year.

The data comes ahead of the second-quarter earnings season, which ramps up in the coming weeks as such companies as chip giant Intel Corp. (INTC) post results. Several tech companies, including semiconductor equipment makers Applied Materials Inc. (AMAT) and Samsung Electronics Co.'s (005930.SE, SSNHY) have warned of recent weakness.

-By Shara Tibken, Dow Jones Newswires; 212-416-2189; shara.tibken@dowjones.com

--Drew Fitzgerald contributed to this story.

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