Laptops Surpass Desktops in Sales

Sales of laptop computers in U.S. stores in May outpaced those of desktop computers for the first time, according to a survey by market research firm NPD Group.

Laptops accounted for more than 54% of the nearly $500 million in retail computer sales in May, the Port Washington, N.Y., company said Wednesday. That compares with January 2000, when laptops represented less than 25% of sales volume, NPD said.

Stephen Baker, director of industry analysis at NPD Group, attributed the surge in sales of laptop computers to a greater interest in being able to take your computer on the go.

“Key to the increased sales ... are a desire for computing products that offer portability, appealing form factors and attractive design,” Baker said. Aggressive pricing from Gateway Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co. also played a role.

“Selling prices fell below $1,300 for the first time ever, more than $250 below May 2002,” he said.