Laptops selling at a faster rate than desktops

Information technology researcher IDC has predicted that laptops will outsell desktop machines by 2011.

Traditionally, desktop PCs have offered more power and speed but laptops are quickly catching up, giving consumers more choice when buying a computer.

The rise in laptop sales has been caused by several factors. Companies around the world are increasing the mobility of their workforce and it's common for employees to work from home or onsite at a client's headquarters, for example.

The advent of broadband has also lead to an increase in laptop sales and wireless connections, especially in the domestic market. In the UK, more and more flats are being built to accommodate for the demand in property and this has seen more people switch to wireless laptops as a convenient and space-saving means of computer use. Traditional desktop PCs take up a significant amount of space in a room, whereas laptops are small and portable and can be stored away when not in use.

Over the last decade, Apple has seen a revival in its sales, mainly due to its innovative 'iPod' mp3 player, but it has also seen a sharp rise in laptop sales. This has been partly due to advances in technology, but also through clever 'lifestyle' marketing and changes in social behaviour.

It has to be said that today's computers aren't seen simply as instruments for work, they are now entertainment systems as well, offering DVD playing facilities, music centres, video editing and computer games - having this as a portable system is very appealing.

We now live in a world where speed and convenience are king. Our consumer thirst for knowledge, products and services is increasing and we expect everything as quickly as possible, wherever and whenever we want. Wireless laptops offers us this lifestyle.