Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Laptop Computers Now Roughly as Popular as Desktops

In 2006, just roughly a third of Americans owned a laptop computer, while nearly twice as many owned a desktop computer. By 2010, the popularity gap between laptops and desktops had nearly disappeared, as 52% of adults owned a laptop and 59% owned a desktop.Desktop computers are most popular with adults ages 35-65, with 69% of Gen X, 65% of Younger Boomers and 64% of Older Boomers owning these devices. Still, a 61%-majority of Gen X members owns a laptop, as do nearly half of Young Boomers (49%). Millennials are the only generation that is more likely to own a laptop computer or netbook than a desktop: 70% own a laptop, compared with 57% who own a desktop. Read More