The rapid growth curve for computer shipments in last year's third quarter extended into the year's final months, two technology research firms reported Wednesday.

The U.S. growth rate beat predictions, countering recent forecasts that spending growth in the broader U.S. technology sector would slow this year, and eventually hurt overseas tech markets.

And Hewlett-Packard Corp. maintained its slight edge over Dell Inc. as the world's largest computer maker, with little change in market share.

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