Lenovo Overtakes HP to Become World's Top Computer Vendor.

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.

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Toshiba introduces its 12.5-inch convertible Ultrabook.

The Satellite U920t is convenience and usability in a compact, convertible mobile computer.

Toshiba Gulf FZE announces the launch of its new 12.5-inch convertible Ultrabook, the Satellite U920t, a compact mobile computer that merges convenience and usability, offering an alternative for users who require a versatile machine in a compact form.

The Satellite U920t offers the best of both worlds: for content consumption, the convertible Ultrabook can be operated in tablet mode to take advantage of touch support with Windows 8, while for additional tasks that involve typing, the laptop mode is a welcome option. Toshiba’s new convertible Ultrabook will be available in South Africa late March 2013.

“The Satellite U920t is designed to take advantage of the Windows 8 enhanced user interface, providing an intuitive and engaging computing experience,” says Linsay Narayanan, product specialist at the South Africa Division of Toshiba Gulf FZE. “Consumption of digital media has evolved, and the Windows 8 launch came in time to leverage this revolution through its modern, intuitive touch gestures and Windows applications.”

Two devices in one

Enjoy the best of both worlds with the performance of an Ultrabook and the ease-of-use of a tablet. Simply convert from Ultrabook mode to tablet mode instantly with the slide-and-tilt design. This laptop allows for ultimate versatility and flexibility to adapt to any environment quickly and easily, while enjoying the perks of today’s most popular technologies.

Effortless efficiency

Achieve new levels of productivity with the Ultrabook purpose-built for the Windows 8 experience. The new Windows 8 user interface is optimised for touch-screen input and enables you to increase everyday efficiency. Tap into greater comfort and convenience with a five-finger capacitive touch panel, and gain the freedom to work and play well into the night, thanks to the large ClickPad with Windows 8 gesture support, full-size, LED-backlit keyboard option, and fingerprint-resistant 12.5-inch diagonal Corning Gorilla Glass IPS touch-screen display.

Fast performance

Speed through every task with the ultra-responsive performance of a third-generation Intel Core processor and lightning-fast solid state drive (SSD). The system’s quick start-up and resume functions, compliments of Windows 8, combine with performance components like SSD and Intel Rapid Start Technology. Best yet, the Satellite U920t stays productive while on the go with a solid battery life of up to four hours

Essential ports and features

There is plenty of room to expand, sync and share with the U920t. It has two integrated USB 3.0 ports, plus a full-size HDMI port that allows digital content sharing on a big-screen TV in up to 1080p full HD resolution.

The Satellite U920t also allows for transferring of data to the Ultrabook quickly and securely with the near-field communication (NFC) option. It also has tablet sensors, like the built-in Ambient Light Sensor (ALS) that automatically adjusts to lighting conditions, as well as an accelerometer, magnetometer, gyroscope and GPS.

Slim, lightweight and stylish design

Lighten your load with an ultra-thin and lightweight design that doesn't compromise on head-turning style. This Ultrabook features a super-slim height of approximately 19.9mm and super-mobile weight of a mere 1.52kg. The convertible design comes with a durable Magnesium cover that protects the system’s good looks.

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1/3 Americans now own tablet computers.

Over the last three years, the number of adults owning a tablet computer has jumped sharply. Now, for the first time, one third of American adults own tablet computers, according to a new report released today by the Pew Research Center.

While nearly every demographic group showed an increase in tablet ownership over the last year, the report said, the fastest-growing groups included more affluent households making over $75,000 a year, college graduates as well as adults between the ages of 35 and 44, especially parents.

“One of the things that is especially interesting about tablet adoption compared to some of the patterns of other devices we've studied is how these technologies’ growth has played out between different age groups,” said Kathryn Zickuhr, a research analyst for Pew.

“With smartphones, for instance, we've seen a very strong correlation with age where most younger adults own smartphones, regardless of income level. But when it comes to tablets, adults in their thirties and forties are now significantly more likely than any other age group to own this device,” she said.

The report showed no differences in tablet adoption between men and women, or specific racial or ethnic groups.

When the Pew Research Center first started tracking tablet ownership in May 2010, only three percent of adults said they had a tablet computer. The continued growth of devices like the Kindle Fire, Samsung Galaxy Tab, Google Nexus and Apple iPad have chipped away at sales figures for laptop computers over this same time period, leading several analysts to predict that tablet sales will surpass laptop sales soon, most likely within in the next two years.

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