The average retail price for a laptop over the past four years has dropped 39% to a pleasant $1,000, according to the Wall Street Journal. Of course as technology marches on the affordability of usable technology becomes greater, and with an increased demand in a market that typically doesn't have loads of cash: college students, come lower prices. Laptops, a niche market less than a decade ago, are now expected to overtake desktops in the next few years. They are more than just portable computers now, they are tools for everyday use. If you're in the market for a laptop, now is a great time.