portable computer

Apple leapfrogged Hewlett-Packard to become the largest U.S. seller of portable personal computers last quarter because of the popularity of its iPad tablet computer that it debuted last year, according NPD Group's DisplaySearch.

Mobile-computing device shipments will grow 19% annually over the next four years as more people buy tablet-type products like Apple's iPad, according to research firm In-Stat. The report released Wednesday indicates that notebook makers should do well in the recovery.