NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Dismissed as yet another short-term computer fad when first released in 2011, everyone is taking Google (GOOG) - Get Report Chromebooks seriously these days. According to new quarterly data from ABI Research, Chromebook shipments increased by 67% quarter-over-quarter and are now projected to double in size year-over year.

The study found Acer continued to maintain its lead over other vendors in the market, including Samsung (SSNLF) , Hewlett-Packard (HPQ) - Get Report , and Dell. The top three leading vendors, Acer, Samsung, and HP, accounted for 74% shipment share during the first half of this year and are expected to maintain market control through the end of 2014. Other current Chrome device manufacturers include Lenovo (LNVGY) , Asus, LG and Toshiba (TOSBF) .

The North American market still dominates Chromebook sales, with ABI Research expecting 78% of all Chromebook sales this year to come from the region. Other regions, especially Asia-Pacific and Western Europe, are expected to grow in market share by 2019.

Google shares were gaining 1.44% to $540.40 in early morning trading in New York.

"Consumers are hungry for a product that is cost effective but also provides the versatility and functionality of a laptop," said ABI analyst Stephanie Van Vactor. "The growth of the Chromebook market demonstrates a niche that is gaining traction among consumers."

Chromebooks are modern, but simple computers which run Google's Chrome operating system. Chrome is built upon a Linux software foundation with all user processes performed inside a Chrome Web browser. These devices, officially classified as "thin clients," are designed to be used while connected to the Internet with most applications and data stored in Google's cloud.

The initial target for the devices was elementary education because of the simple learning curve for students as well as easy setup for teachers and school IT experts. ABI researchers found that vertical markets such as education still remain a driving force for the products. In emerging markets, especially in Asia-Pacific and Eastern Europe, business-purchasing entities account for 75% of Chromebook sales in the region.

Following the rapid rise and subsequent collapse of smaller netbook computers in the last decade, consumers questioned the need for Chromebooks which contributed to their initially slow acceptance rate. In late 2013, Chromebooks began their upward sales spiral as notebook sales were declining and tablet sales were on the rise. ABI reported that the first half of this year has demonstrated slowing tablet growth along with the revival of the notebook market.

"Chromebooks may be a temporary fad similar to the netbook, but the form-factor design and low-cost price tag draws considerable interest that may be a longer term trend," according to Van Vactor. "Chromebooks may have more of a place in the market than originally anticipated, especially as more vendors jump on board and sales continue to grow."

Chrome-based computers are currently available in the U.S. as laptop and desktop (some with flat-screen displays) models at prices ranging from less than $200 to an whopping $1,500 for the top-of-the-line Google Pixel model.

-- Written by Gary Krakow in New York.

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Gary Krakow is TheStreet's Senior Technology Correspondent.