For the first time in years, computer prices are on the rise, according to new info from the NPD research group, as reported by the "Wall Street Times" (http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870468180457601788378719196...).

In November, the average retail price of a personal computer sold in the U.S. was US$615, up 6% from last year's $580, which marked a record low, according the NPD Group. Average computer prices have now increased in six of the past eight months compared with 2009 levels, according to NPD data.

The rising prices for computers -- including desktops, laptops and low-cost netbooks but not tablets -- is a big turnabout for the $250 billion global computer industry, which for years has coped with sharp price declines even as machines became more powerful, says the "Journal."

One factor in the market has been Apple, the article adds. The company increased its U.S. market share to 10.4% in the third quarter from 9.3% a year ago, according to research firm Gartner. Yet Apple has kept its average computer price at about $1,360 over that period, NPD data shows.