Apple Could Out-Sell HP By 2012, Says HP CEO

Meg Whitman, Hewlett-Packard CEO, believes that Apple could take HP’s crown as leading computer seller in 2012 if the iPad counts as a computer. A recent survey predicted Apple will grab the top spot in 2012 after the iPad 3 goes on sale.

When asked about the results of the survey, Whitman had an interesting response – instead of bashing Apple and discounting the results, she acknowledged their validity and said that HP needs to step up its game.

“Yes. I think it’s possible [for Apple to overtake HP] if you integrate tablets. Apple does a great job. We need to improve our game and our products to take over the leadership position. Apple could go past HP in 2012. We will try to become the champion in 2013. It takes time for the products on which I have come to influence the market.”

HP currently has a presence in almost every country, so for Apple to have an actual chance at usurping the company is huge. Of course, there are a lot of factors here.

Whitman has only been CEO since September, so it’ll take some time before she can really get the ball rolling on any new projects. And for all we know, she could have some super amazing product that rivals Apple’s best.

What’s more, this data is based on the assumption that the iPad 3 will come out on time and have very strong sales. I don’t doubt that second one, but Apple hasn’t been too great with keeping deadlines lately (the white iPhone 4 and the iPhone 4S both came months later than expected). So take this news with a grain of salt.