Laptops to Overtake Desktops by 2011

Analysts predict that portable laptops will out sell fixed desktops by the year 2011. As laptops become faster and cheaper, their demands will increase at the cost of desktops market. The release of Vista will send a short burst in Desktop shipment in 2007 and early 2008. However, it will slowly decline after 2008. Laptop market reports a growth rate on 16.1$ year-by-year, whereas desktops grow by just 3.8% each year.

The main reason behind the takeover is the increase in mobile workforce and availability of Wireless networks. A survey conducted by Pew Internet and American Life Project reveals that wireless networks in homes across United States have climbed from 1 out of 10 to 5 out of 10. With over 80% of the laptops sold include Wireless capabilities and 88% of laptop users use wired networks at home.

The outburst in number of laptop users is clearly evident, even in developing countries such as India. However, I feel it’s really weird that Vista boosts PC sales across the globe. All new laptops today ship with pre-installed Vista or free Vista upgrade later on. Maybe prices play an important factor in holding laptops back.

Source: BBC

This post was published by on March 25, 2007

About the Author: Thilak Rao works as a Social Media Expert. He is one of the first professional bloggers from India, and he loves to write, travel and click photos. Follow him on Twitter @thilak

  • http://www.techzonline.net TechZ

    Here in Bahrain, laptops are already a huge sales figure for many shops.

    In Dubai, I believe they outsold PC’s at one point.

  • http://spotgeek.com/geekbytes/ knight17

    Maybe they are only considering about US, Europe etc.Otherwise the result would have been different.

  • http://www.everydayweekender.com Everyday Weekender

    I don’t know.. i can’t see myself ever being completely off of a desktop

    EW ;)
    Everyday Weekender

  • http://kylescove.com/2007/03/25/laptop-or-desktop-computer/ Kyle’s Cove » Blog Archive » Laptop or Desktop Computer?

    [...] I noticed on TechBuzz that laptops will overtake desktops by 2011.   According to Thilak’s post, it seems that it will only take that long because of the [...]

  • http://lawvibe.com Law Student Blog

    Interesting stat…. I see a lot more young people with laptops.. I just can’t see them overtaking desktops in the workplace though.

  • http://www.knupnet.com knupNET

    They’ve already taken over in my household. No more desktops in my future.

  • http://www.whoismadhur.com Madhur Kapoor

    I am pretty happy with my desktop at the moment ut eventually i will have to buy a lappy when i start working .

  • http://www.dq.winsila.com Suresh

    It might be true that sales of laptops will outnumber that of desktops, but I personally feel that a first time buyer of computer, who knows his stuff, would prefer to buy a desktop, unless portability is his prime concern. If one already has a desktop and is looking to add one more system then he would probably go for a laptop. Though I have both a desktop and a lapto, I personally prefer to work on a deskop. It is more comfortable for working longer hours. The main reason for increased sales of laptops is the steep decline in price. The price of desktops have more or less stabilised.

  • http://auscoder.com Afterlife(69)

    Personally I prefer using a laptop to a PC now, however when it comes to the budget, the PC will always be cheaper as you can just rip it apart and upgrade individual pieces, thats why I think that laptops will never overtake PCs.

    Like, seriously… Who would want to pay $1500 for a new laptop when they can upgrade their PC for as cheap as $500?

  • Vic

    Good news !! I hate cables

  • http://www.techenclave.com/pc-peripherals/tips-buying-new-pc-what-avoid-108926-5.html#post818731 Tips for buying a new PC – What to avoid – Page 5 – TechEnclave

    [...] Buy laptop instead of desktop. Laptops to Overtake Desktops by 2011 Last edited by rohit84 : Today at 02:39 PM.   #70   [...]

  • http://www.techenclave.com/pc-peripherals/tips-buying-new-pc-what-avoid-108926-5.html#post819189 Tips for buying a new PC – What to avoid – Page 5 – TechEnclave

    [...] Buy laptop instead of desktop. Laptops to Overtake Desktops by 2011 Last edited by rohit84 : Yesterday at 02:39 PM.   #70   [...]

  • http://lawvibe.com/ Law Student Blog

    Interesting stat…. I see a lot more young people with laptops.. I just can't see them overtaking desktops in the workplace though.