The most important growth of the laptop is its affordability, with performance coming in a close second. For years, laptops have skimped on the features, and lacked the processing speed and power of its desktop counterpart. Today, you can find laptops that are just as or even more powerful than desktops, but in a much more compact form. There are many different form factors and options to choose from, making it easy to find a laptop that fits your needs. Gamers are even finding notebook computers more suitable, especially when it comes to attending LAN parties.

Ridiculous as it is, there are even laptops that function as true desktop replacements' with screens that go up to 20' and feature a full-sized keyboard with numerical pad. These mammoth sized portables' are hardly lightweight or energy efficient, but they allow for use anywhere you may be and prove that laptops are the future of desktop computing, ironically.

The Acer 9800 - 20' of massive ridiculousness. A true desktop-class notebook for replacing the traditional desktop computer.

Prices have dropped considerably too, with prices starting around $500 and well equipped machines in the $1500 range. Furthermore, Apple Computer has witnessed a huge explosion in its laptop sales while their desktops have remained steady. According to Steve Jobs, notebook sales accounted for almost 2/3 of Mac sales last quarter.

Mobility and Productivity in Laptops
More and more laptops are being favored in use over desktops, especially on the education front. Students are turning to laptops for the portability and easy setup for dorm rooms. The fact that students can transport their homework (and media) to classes, to the library, or back home makes it a key selling point. Prices have dropped considerably making them a very attractive purchase for the back-to-school season. Even Steve Jobs has stated his desire for every student to own a laptop, a 1:1 ratio that is certainly looking plausible thanks to his company's attractively priced and feature-packed MacBook notebook computer. With higher education institutions integrating wireless technology and the internet more and more, laptops are the obvious choice.

Businesses, too are seeing the benefits of laptops as they offer far more productivity and flexibility for their employees as a means to work on-the-go whether at the office, at home, or traveling abroad. While the desktop PC will continue to remain in the cubicles, it would be more efficient for a business to provide its employees with laptops that also can be docked to an external monitor and keyboard. This way, employees can take their work home when necessary. Although this shift won't happen right away, the trend is certainly starting to open up.

With more and more people setting up wireless hotspots at home and in coffee shops, people can access the Internet anywhere. Personally, I love the fact that I can roam freely about around the house and watch TV in the living room, while still being able to chat with friends and surf the web. It's this flexibility and convenience that makes having a laptop that much more enjoyable to work with.

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