In Q2, HP shipped 13.4 million units for a 19.1 percent global market share. Dell had a 16 percent share and shipped 11.2 million units. However, iSuppli noted that Dell, which launched its first channel program about a year ago, has gained ground on HP for four consecutive quarters. Acer (9.5 percent) and Lenovo (7.9 percent) maintained their respective  market-share positions in third and fourth place. "The creation and development of high-profile retail and channel relationships has very much helped Dell bring its PCs to consumers," noted Matthew Wilkins, iSuppli's principal analyst, Computer Platforms.

The good news in the iSuppli survey, Wilkins added, was that PC shipments in Q2 came in higher than expected, despite concerns about economic weakness around the world. The research firm believes PC shiments will grow 12.5 percent this year. With all four top suppliers active in the channel, it may well be VARs and solution providers who determine the ultimate winner of the market-share battle. Look for all four companies to step up their channel activity in the months to come.