Demand For Laptops On The Increase
By Ben Ng

Bandar Seri Begawan - The popularity of laptops in Brunei Darussalam has risen dramatically with affordability, convenience and mobility being the primary reasons for the sudden change in preference.'

"The demand for laptops has definitely increased," said Alan Chai, Sales Manager for Concepts Commercial Suppliers Sdn Bhd. "I think it's because nowadays it's so affordable.”

He said that within the last two years, the demand for laptops has overtaken that of conventional desktop computers.

"We've seen around a 50 per cent increase in demand. Moreover, the laptops are getting cheaper and cheaper, with a lot more functions available," he said.

Alan Chai believes that convenience plays a major part in the sudden surge in portable popularity.

"It's convenient. You can carry it around everywhere and the functions and technology are definitely improving," he said.

New models are churned out of production lines almost every month, keeping up with the similar trend in mobile phones.

"The new models come with new designs and packed with new features. More or less it has become like mobile phones, in terms of updating," he said.

"I think it's good that people are switching to laptops," said Chai. He feels that the prices of mobile phones currently available, the high-end, top-of-the-line models in particular, are equivalent to the prices for laptops. "You pay $1,000 for a good mobile and you get a laptop for the same price. With a bigger screen, Wi-Fi and everything else."

In terms of maintenance and repair, "it's not much different to a regular desktop computer. It all depends on the availability of stock," said Chai. Members of the public who own laptops shared their views and reasons for their purchase.

"It allows me mobility, plus it's quite useful for work as I travel a lot," said Amir Ismail, a civil servant. "The prices are reasonable_ enough, a lot more reasonable than three years ago."

However, in terms of performance, "it doesn't allow you much in terms of tweaking (modifying or changing parts), but that's ok. It's sufficient liar the job," lie added.

Another laptop owner, Patricia Marilyn, chose to purchase one because she brings it wherever she goes. "I got mine in December last year, as there weren't enough computers at work. It's for my own convenience really."

In addition, she felt the prices were fair. "Price-wise it's quite ok. I got mine for around $1,400. My next purchase will definitely be another laptop." -- Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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