It's official: The desktop is dead

Profit Problems

Retail profits are *way* down, and retailers are desparate to sell *something* at a profit.

From the Star Tribune, November 13, 2008:

(Best Buy President and Chief Operating Officer Brian Dunn)

"Pricing for Black Friday will be just as competitive as ever, but those looking for rock-bottom deals might not find them, despite lagging sales, Dunn indicated.

"Our strategy's not going to be to go out and scream, 'Everything's on sale,'" he said. "I don't think we'll fundamentally be able to pull people off the sidelines that can't play right now."

Laptops? Are you kidding?

I agree with all your comments, anon. Laptops are economically foolish. I can fix any of my desktops in a short while for not a lot of money, while a laptop is many times not worth fixing. It would be very foolish to have a laptop for a main computer. I used both desktops and laptops in Iraq. A little cleaning and the desktops did fine....even in 130 deg temps. The laptops died every we looked at them.
BTW, for a harsh environment and rough handling ..try a powerbook...damn near indestructible. Though slow, it's the only reliable one I know of.

Zorg-Blats

WOW

I continue to read postings that are written without any knowledge. Hmmmm.. retailers lose money on every Laptop they sell, (yes do the reseach before you write) and actually lose less money, and maybe make money on Desktops. Its been that way for 5+ years. Nice job on sounding like you knew what your were talking about.

Notebooks = Higher Profit Margin

A Mar 9, 2008 "PC World" article states:

"The trend toward users buying notebook computers... is dovetailing with the interests of retailers because notebooks deliver a better profit margin and take up less shelf space than desktops, said John Jacobs, director of notebook research at DisplaySearch."