Packard Bell Continues to Pace Domestic PC Sales

Packard Bell Electronics Inc. strengthened its position as the leading supplier of personal computers in the United States in the first quarter, according to a new market research study.

Industry research firm International Data Corp. reported that Packard Bell, a privately held company headquartered in Westlake Village, was the domestic leader in PC sales for the second quarter in a row. With more than half a million of its products shipped during the first quarter, Packard Bell grabbed 12.7% of the national PC market, up from 11.3% a year ago.

The world’s leading PC maker, Houston-based Compaq Computer Corp., had the second-largest share of the U.S. market at 11.4%, while Apple Computer Inc. came in third with 10.2%, according to IDC.

Last month, Compaq sued Packard Bell in federal court, alleging that Packard Bell sold computer products containing used components as new items. Packard Bell has called the allegations unfounded and a publicity stunt designed to detract from its success.