In case you missed Intel's upbeat earnings report Tuesday, research firm IDC today is saying global PC sales rebounded in the third quarter, posting a 2 percent gain.

PC sales met or beat sales expectations in every region but Japan during the quarter. Maybe the Japanese are holding out for Windows 7.

Bob O'Donnell, IDC vice president, said in the release that the growth "underscores the value that both consumer and corporate buyers place on PCs. With the forthcoming launch of Windows 7 and expected commercial refresh beginning in 2010, the prospects for future PC market growth are very solid."

The firm also said HP now holds the largest share of the U.S. market - 25.5 percent - after a 3 percent sales gain in the quarter. Dell's share fell to 25 percent, after a 13 percent decline.

Acer's netbook sales helped the company grow sales 48.3 percent in the quarter, making it the third biggest PC seller in the U.S., ahead of Apple and Toshiba.

Apple sales grew 11.8 percent during the back-to-school quarter, giving it a 9.4 percent share in the U.S. Toshiba sales grew 37.4 percent, giving it an 8.1 percent share.

Globally, the top PC sellers in the quarter were HP, Acer, Dell, Lenovo and Toshiba.