Research Says: Laptops are Hot Trend in Travel Accessories

Laptop computers have become the new "must have" on-the-road travel accessory according to a recent study conducted by KRC Research and commissioned by Toshiba's Digital Products Division. In fact, laptops now rival cell phones as the technological travel accessory for keeping in touch with home and work. Of 600 laptop owners, 72 percent take along their laptops on vacation compared with 79 percent who bring their cell phone.

People who take their laptops on vacation also spend substantial amounts of time communicating with work and home. Seventy percent of laptop vacationers spend their time on laptops either staying up-to-date on happenings at work or sending and receiving e-mail. Half (50 percent) of respondents traveling with a laptop log onto the Internet five or more days on a week-long vacation and, of those logging on, 45 percent say they typically spend 30 minutes to an hour on the Internet.

"Going on vacation no longer means losing touch with life back home," said Doug Baker, director of KRC Research. "Computer manufacturers are making it that much easier to connect with colleagues, friends and family from anywhere in the world with lighter and less bulky laptops."

The research also shows that for those respondents who typically travel with a laptop, use of technology accessories on vacation has shifted from entertainment to connectivity. Only 30 percent of respondents were likely to bring popular entertainment electronics, such as portable CD and MP3 players, while 9 percent bring DVD players on vacation. Seventy percent of laptop vacationers say having their laptop on vacation is important.

"Consumers' increasing need to remain connected has led to the continual evolution of laptop computers. Today's uniquely designed laptops, like Toshiba's Portege Series, now weigh less than three pounds and feature mobile technology for extended battery life and wireless connectivity," said Taro Hiyama, Toshiba's vice president of marketing. "Our notebook PCs also offer quick data exchange on a network or on the Internet, allowing those travelers that bring their laptops on vacation to minimize the time spent checking in with home and work."

KRC Research conducted this nationally representative telephone survey of 600 laptop owners for Toshiba's Digital Products Division. The margin of error for the study is +/- 4.0 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.