Top chipmaker Intel Corp had reduced its growth forecast, reinforcing fears that a wavering global economy and a lack of consumer interest are dampening personal computer sales.

A growing consumer preference for Apple iPads have been taking a toll on the PC industry and fears over global PC sales have pushed Intel shares down by 10% since the end of April.

Intel supplies processors for 80 percent of the world's PCs but it has yet to make significant progress in fast-growing tablets or smartphones, products that use chips based on technology from British-based ARM Holdings .

Graham Palmer, Intel's country manager for the UK and Ireland however, insists that "it has not been a tough time for Intel" with the company launching the Ultrabook and a deal with mobile phone company Orange this year.

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