Hewlett-Packard Co has leaped into the top three in the US personal computer market according to International Data Corp. It reckons that Compaq Computer Corp took top place from Packard Bell Electronics Inc, selling 740,000 machines, 40% up on last year. Packard Bell sales rose just 4.9 to 620,000, but Hewlett-Packard soared 132% to 401,000. Apple Computer Inc slumped to fourth, sliding 21.6% to 320,000; and Gateway 2000 Inc was 26% ahead at 341,000. Market volume overall rose by 14%.
