Port Washington, N.Y. (July 3, 2003) -- The age of mobile computing has truly arrived -- a report out this week found that last month marked the first time ever that the dollar sales of notebook computers surpassed that of desktop computers sold through U.S. retailers.
Market research firm NPD Group's point-of-sale tracking service uncovered the historic first, as well as the fact that May marked the first month that LCD monitors generated more sales volume than standard tube-based CRTs.
According to NDP, in January 2000, notebooks represented less than 25 percent of sales. But by last month, noteooks accounted for more than 54 percent of the nearly $500 million in retail computer sales.
"May results were driven by consumers' desire for mobility, combined with aggressive pricing and robust configurations," said Stephen Baker, director of industry analysis for the NPD Group. "Selling prices fell below $1,300 for the first time ever, while 80 percent sported 15 inch screens and 86 percent provided customers with a CD burner."
Colorado CPA and technology expert Wayne Harding said the trend tracks the accounting industry's move towards the paperless office.
"Paper's out and electronic media's in -- and people now understand the value of taking information with them in a digital office format," Harding said. "Especially when you can get a pretty beefy laptop for under $2,000."
-- Tracey Miller-Segarra
