MacRumors.com

CNET reports on new data from market research NPD showing that Apple models grabbed the top spots in both the desktop and notebook computer U.S. retail sales lists for the month of October. Among desktops, the company's new 21.5" iMac grabbed the #1 spot, with the 27" iMac taking the third spot. In the notebook category, Apple's entry-level 13" MacBook Pro took top honors, with three other Apple notebooks finishing in the top ten.

NPD previously reported that Apple had recorded nearly half of U.S. desktop retail revenue during October, pointing to the launch of new iMacs and a slowdown in Windows-based computer sales ahead of the release of Windows 7 as factors contributing to the company's strong performance during the month. NPD's Stephen Baker again cited those factors in the release of its latest data.

"Apple gets a bounce whenever they come out with new computers," Baker said. "For the most part, October was a down month on the Windows side because [PC manufacturers] were working through inventory before the Windows 7 launch."

NPD's data covers only online and retail store sales and does not include direct sales, resulting in an incomplete picture of the true market. It does, however, provide an interesting glimpse into the performance of Apple and other manufacturers.