Tiny squeezes IBM out of UK top five

Compaq tops survey of best-selling PCs for the first quarter, followed closely by Dell.

IBM has been shunted out of the UK's top five PC manufacturers bylowed closely by Dell. high street operation Tiny Computers for the first quarter of 1999.

The report, Market Dynamics Q1 99 PC shipments, conducted by the Gartner Group, revealed that Tiny sold 83,137 PCs compared with IBM's 67,314. Tiny foll-owed Packard Bell (96,026), Dell (223,879) and in first position Compaq with 251,560. This followed Tiny's announcement that it recorded 72 per cent growth for 1998.

A representative for Tiny commented: 'This shows how efficient our business model is. Tiny has 105 showrooms in the UK and will have between 120 and 130 by the end of the year. We have also established 10 stores in the US and 26 in the Far East. We are a force in the industry now - outselling Gateway, Dan and Viglen combined.' He added that Tiny's ISP operation had reached 75,000 subscribers.

Tiny also claims to be the largest UK PC manufacturer, notching up six per cent of the UK market and 15 per cent of the direct sector.

However, Tiny rival Time Computers is expected to hit back with an increase in concession stores within Powerhouse outlets. Time has nearly 140 showrooms. Powerhouse will be opening 36 superstores, including concession opportunities for Time.

Powerhouse is also considering its flotation on the stockmarket.