Lenovo Overtakes HP to Become World's Top Computer Maker [VIDEO]

Chinese computer manufacturer Lenovo has overtaken the US firm Hewlett Packard (HP) to become the world's leading PC maker, according to the research firm Gartner.

In a release, Gartner says that Lenovo has risen to the top for the first time in its history with a worldwide share of 15.7 percent, above HP which has a 15.5 percent share.

US tech company Dell has been placed third with a 10.5 percent share.

"In addition to acquiring other vendors, Lenovo has also taken an aggressive position on pricing, especially in the professional market," the research firm notes.

"As a result, Lenovo has achieved significant market share gains over the last two years, exceeding regional average growth rates across all regions."

Data from the firm also shows that Lenovo, which makes the ThinkPad, is the only computer manufacturer which has seen a year on year third quarter increase in shipments to the US.

Lenovo's second quarter profits increased 30 percent from the previous year to $144m (£92m) despite the slowdown in the Chinese economy due to falling global demand.

Earlier this month, HP had warned that its 2013 earnings could decline and had posted a $8.8bn (£5.5bn) loss in the previous quarter.

Analysts suggest that the improved performance from Lenovo is set to continue.

Speaking to the BBC, Andrew Milroy of Frost & Sullivan said: "Just the momentum that Lenovo has had, makes it inevitable that it will be the world's number one PC maker across all charts."

However, Gartner's figures contradict those from another research firm, IDC, which has maintained HP at the top position, although only by a narrow margin.

Both the research firms say that PC sales have fallen globally in the three months ending September by more than 8 percent. The slowing global economy and the rising popularity of tablet computers are seen as the major factors impacting the industry.