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Battery-powered portable computers had just 2% worldwide market share in 1986.[62] However, laptops have become increasingly popular, both for business and personal use.[63] In 2008 it was estimated that 145.9 million notebooks were sold, and that the number would grow in 2009 to 177.7 million.[64] The third quarter of 2008 was the first time when notebook PC shipments exceeded desktops, with 38.6 million units versus 38.5 million units.[63][65][66][67]
For Microsoft Windows systems, the average selling price (ASP) showed a decline in 2008/2009, possibly due to low-cost netbooks, drawing US$689 at U.S. retail in August 2008. In 2009, ASP had further fallen to $602 by January and to $560 in February. While Windows machines fell $129 in these seven months, Mac laptop ASP declined just $12 from $1,524 to $1,512.[68]
Laptops operating in harsh usage environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty condition differ from those used in space in that they are custom designed for the task and do not use commercial off-the-shelf hardware.
For Microsoft Windows systems, the average selling price (ASP) showed a decline in 2008/2009, possibly due to low-cost netbooks, drawing US$689 at U.S. retail in August 2008. In 2009, ASP had further fallen to $602 by January and to $560 in February. While Windows machines fell $129 in these seven months, Mac laptop ASP declined just $12 from $1,524 to $1,512.[68]
[edit] Extreme environments
See also: International Space Station#Computers
The ruggedized Grid Compass computer was used since the early days of the Space Shuttle program. The first commercial laptop used in space was a Macintosh portable in 1991 aboard Space Shuttle mission STS-43.[69][70] [71] Mac and other laptop computers continue to be flown aboard manned spaceflights though the only long duration flight certified computer for the International Space Station is the ThinkPad.[72] As of 2011 over 100 ThinkPads were aboard the ISS. Laptops used aboard the INternational Space Station and other spaceflights are generally the same ones that can be can be purchased by the general public but needed modifications are made to allow them to be used safely and effectively in a weightless environment such as updating the cooling systems to function without relying on hot air rising and accommodation for the lower cabin air pressure. [73]Laptops operating in harsh usage environments and conditions, such as strong vibrations, extreme temperatures and wet or dusty condition differ from those used in space in that they are custom designed for the task and do not use commercial off-the-shelf hardware.
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