Megan Glazier said she wants more flexibility when she's doing class assignments.

"I wanted a Macintosh, and we went to the store, and they said the power-book was a better investment for a student," Glazier (sophomore-crime, law and justice and history) said. "I looked at [its portability] as a positive thing. I take it with me to the library."

Current Analysis, a computer analyst group that examines trends in the technology industry, reported in its national retail study that during this year's holiday season, retailers sold 24 percent more laptop computers this year compared to last year, while desktop sales decreased by 7 percent. Desktop computers, however, are still a more popular item for consumers than laptop computers.

Charlise Zolezzi, spokeswoman for Current Analysis, said analysts looked at all laptop computers being sold and did not break the sales down to specific companies.

"It was an increase across the board," she said.

Sam Bhavani, a Current Analysis analyst, said laptop computers are popular items for college students and the decrease in price and improved performance of laptops has led to more being sold.

"It makes a ton of sense for students to take their computer to the library and the dorm," Bhavani said. "Notebooks are going to grow in popularity."

Barbara Grimes, a spokeswoman for Intel, said laptops are very popular among Intel's customers as well, and the company has focused on giving laptops more capabilities.

"The trend toward laptops is a very strong one," she said.

Grimes said mobile performance, wireless conductivity, great battery life, and a thin and light design are four characteristics of laptops that are very important to customers.

Even though laptops are increasing in popularity, some students, such as John Kirkpatrick (senior-biology), are still desktop fans. "I don't really have the need to drag a computer with me all day," he said.

Lauren Dzamba (junior-communication sciences and disorders) also owns a desktop and said a few factors affected her decision to buy it.

"I don't really like the keyboard on laptops, but I think it was cheaper too," Dzamba added.

But, the portability of a laptop can be both a positive and a negative thing.

Penn State University Police supervisor Dwight Smith said although laptops were stolen often in previous years, this trend has decreased.

"When laptops first came out we saw a lot more thefts of laptops," he said. "The likelihood of them being taken is pretty great because of their portability."

Smith had two suggestions for preventing a laptop from being stolen.

"It's good common sense to make sure you don't leave them unattended," he said. "We [also] recommend Operation ID"

Operation ID is a program offered at the State College Police Department and at the Penn State University Police station.

People can engrave their license number on items, which helps to decrease the chances of theft and increase the likelihood of having the items returned.