According to data from NDP research, the United States retail sales of Mac branded computers dropped a concerning sixteen percent in Feb, which is a surprising number considering that Windows based units saw a twenty two percent rise in the same month. The boost in Windows sales is likely due to the growing popularity of small “netbook” computers.

When just the laptop numbers are looked at, Mac experiences a seven percent drop, while Windows sees an impressive sales gain o thirty six percent. Even without the consideration of netbook laptops, Windows based laptops still would have experienced a sixteen percent increase in sales over the previous month.

The real question, I suppose, is: Is this just a blip on the radar for Mac? It might very well be, as many expect Mac sales to rise in March, as the company has recently released a revamped lineup of computers. However, others believe that the growing popularity of netbooks could continue to harm Mac, less they come out with their own netbook offering. I guess we’ll find out which one is true in the coming months.