More Computer Consumers Keen On Dell; Poll Shows Heavy Preference; Shoppers are more intent on purchasing computers as they head into holidays.(INTERNET & TECHNOLOGY)(IBD/TIPP POLL)

Byline: PATRICK SEITZ

Consumer interest in buying new personal computers is picking up as the holiday shopping season nears. But PC purchase intent remains well below its summer highs, according to a new IBD/TIPP poll.

The poll showed PC purchase intent rising 6% in September from August, when it took an unexpected turn for the worse. The IBD/TIPP Home Computer Purchase Outlook Index hit 19.7 in September. That's up from 18.6 in August, but down from 22.3 in July. High index readings correspond to high expectations for purchasing a desktop or notebook computer in the next six months.

The September poll brought good news for market leader Dell Inc. The Round Rock, Texas-based PC maker reached its highest level of brand preference among consumers since TIPP began collecting such monthly data in April 2002.

Dell's brand preference numbers have been rising steadily since the poll began. Dell was the favored brand of 27% of all consumers in April 2002 and 39% in September. Among likely buyers in the next six months, Dell did even better, rising from 37% to 48% in the same 18-month period. (See Data Bus above.)

"We're really happy that our customers and prospects are indicating such a positive feeling about Dell," said Tom Vogl, director of marketing for Dell's U.S. consumer business.

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