Apple (AAPL) Mac shipments hit 960,000 units in Q3 of this year according to IDC. Last year, that figure was 716,000, raising Apple’s share from 4.8% to 5.6% in the US market.

A close look at the figures, provides by Apple Insider indicates that the Mac and HP (HPQ) are taking market share from Dell in the US. Dell’s share dropped from 34.1% to 28.4% in Q2. Units shipped dropped by 583,000. HP shipped 830,000 more units than last year, and Apple shipped 199,000 more units.

Total shipments in the US market rose 1,147,000 units. So, the majority of the growth belongs to Apple and HP.

The figures are an indication that iPod sales should be buttressed by sales of Macs, making a strong quarter for Apple more likely.

Douglas A. McIntyre