For the first time ever, laptop computer sales have exceeded desktop sales for retail computer stores. According to the NPD Group, 54% of all computers sold in stores this past May were laptops. Essentially, consumers purchased over a quarter billion dollars worth of laptops at various stores in May. As recently as January 2000 laptop computer sales represented only 25% of sales. This sales increase is due at least in part to the fact that quality laptops can now be purchased for less than US$1,300. The NPD study also found that LCD purchases surpassed CRT purchases in May. LCD purchases constitued 52% of monitor purchases, up from only 22% of purchases in May 2002. The plummeting price of LCD displays, combined with many consumers' preference of LCDs over CRTs, was probably an important factor. The trend towards laptops may be only temporary, and could be reversed. The trend towards flat-panel displays, however, will inevitably increase as yields improve, screen sizes increase, and prices continue to fall.
Geek.com Blurb posted from Excite.News