Laptops Surpass Desktops in Third-Quarter Shipments

Telecom News Editorials Reports Glossary

6:30 am on December 29, 2008 | Category: Business

Laptop and notebook computer shipments increased 40% (year-over-year) in the third quarter, surpassing desktop computer sales for the first time ever, according to new market research by iSuppli.

A total of 38.6 million laptops were shipped during the third quarter, compared to 38.5 million desktops. Desktop shipments declined 1.3% from the same three-month period a year earlier.

The increase in laptop sales can be attributed to significantly lower prices over the past year, as well as greater demand for wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi and mobile broadband.

Hewlett-Packard maintained its lead in terms of global laptop sales with a market share of 18.8%, followed by Dell with a 13.9% share. Taiwanese manufacturer, Acer, soared into third place with 12.2% of the global market.