The TrendForce research group (www.trendforce.com) says laptop shipments totaled 175.5 million in 2014, representing a year-on-year growth of 3.6%. HP was the top vendor, but Apple saw the most growth.

Apple had the biggest gain in 2014 owing to its price-lowering strategy that made its takeover of the midrange and premium market complete. Apple posted a spectacular year-on-year growth of 46.4% and increased its market share to 9.3%. It shot past Toshiba to become number six worldwide and closing in on Acer in terms of shipments. 

HP experienced an improvement in its first quarter notebook shipments, and in the subsequent quarters it posted positive growth, according to TrendForce. Overall, the company increased its shipments by 19.5% compared with 2013 and put itself in the first place with 20.1% of the market share. 

Lenovo (excluding its acquired brands) occupied the second place in the 2014 notebook market with a year-on-year growth of 14% and a market share of 17.5%. Dell retained its position as number three in the 2014 notebook market with an annual growth of 12.2% and a market share of 12.3%. Following closely at number four is Asus. The brand expanded its market share to 11%, displacing Acer from the number four spot.