• Reuters, Computerworld , Tuesday, December 16, 2008 11 AM

Apple's Macs experienced flat year-over-year overall sales in the U.S. while Windows PCs were up 7%, according to NPD Group, which tracks retail sales. Apple's notebook sales were up 22% but desktops fell 38%. Windows notebooks rose 15% and desktops dropped 15%.

"For notebooks, there is a little extra value to consumers [to buy Apple]. For desktops I'm not so sure," NPD analyst Stephen Barker tells Reuters. "To me the real story is the iMacs need a refresh."

According to Technology Business Research analyst Ezra Gottheil, Apple has an entirely different surprise in store for next month's MacWorld Conference and Expo. He tells Computerworld that the company will introduce its first two netbooks. They will be tied to the company's App Store, he says, as is its iPhone.

Apple has avoided the bottom of the market, leaving it vulnerable as $300-$400 netbook sales have surged. And, indeed, it may still feel that way. Gottheil cautions that he doesn't have inside information about Apple's plans. "This is just by triangulation," he says.

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