Global shipments of personal computers surged 22.4 percent during the second quarter, a sign that the market may be in a "recovery phase," according to the latest International Data Corporation PC Tracker report. However, PC shipments in the U.S. -- while up 12.6 percent over the same period last year -- did not achieve the rebound that analysts had predicted.

"A wait-and-see stance dominated the business sector as a result of economic uncertainty," according to the report's analysis of the U.S. market. "Although we saw some healthy PC refresh activity, volumes were below our initial estimations as buyers reassessed their spending priorities." IDC predicts that global PC shipments will slow in the consumer sector during the second half of the year, while the business market will remain somewhat stable.

HP remained the biggest global PC vendor, commanding 18 percent market share and seeing growth of 12 percent during the quarter. That was followed by Dell at 13 percent market share and growth of 19 percent and Acer Group with market share of 12.6 percent and growth of 20.8 percent.

In the U.S., HP retained the crown with 25.7 percent market share and growth of 14.2 percent. They were followed by Dell -- with market share of 24 percent and growth of 10.9 percent -- and Acer Group -- with market share of 11 percent and growth of one percent. Apple came in fourth, with market share of 8.8 percent and growth of 15.4 percent.