Tech trends still favour computer makers

Article Excerpt

The uncertain economy and weak consumer confidence have held back computer sales. However, demand should increase in the next few months, particularly as businesses look to boost their productivity by upgrading their computers. In addition, rising interest in cloud computing will increase sales of mainframe computers, servers and consulting services. APPLE INC. $575 (Nasdaq symbol AAPL; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 935.1 million; Market cap: $537.7 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 3.8; Dividend yield: 1.8%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.apple.com) is now the largest publicly traded company in the world based on market cap, thanks to the huge success of its mobile devices, such as the iPhone smartphone and the iPad tablet computer. These products are also attracting more attention to Apple’s Mac desktop and laptop computers. In its 2012 second quarter, which ended March 31, 2012, the company sold 11.8 million iPads, up 151.3% from a year earlier. iPhone sales jumped 88.0%, to 35.1 million units. That’s partly because the…