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Lardo, KS - Wide-load laptop computers are the fastest growing market
segment in the computer industry. These computers try to match the
growing width of Americans' laps with comparably sized computers.
 Sony
was the first company to recognize this growing market and introduced
the Wideo last year. Harold Schneider, who heads Sony's notebook
computer division, explained, "We could see that Americans were
getting wider, but notebook manufacturers still concentrated on keeping
things compact. I told my engineers to 'let themselves go,' and they
developed the Wideo which measures forty-eight inches across."
Other manufacturers quickly followed with their own versions. Earlier
this year, Dell introduced their Longitude line of laptops. These
notebooks range from forty-five to seventy-two inches wide.
"I love the new wider laptops," said 420 pound Daryl Yutzer. "My
old laptop disappeared on my thighs and made me look pudgy. My new
Compaq Fatro, however, actually has a slimming effect. More girls
approach me in the computer lab."
Other users of wide-load laptops have found even more benefits. "My
company pays to upgrade me to first class when I fly so I can use
my new laptop," said Kyle Kregan whose laptop measures thirty-six
inches across. "It's one of those unexpected perks."
Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, announced the WideBook 98" at
the recent AppleFest 2003. The enormous computer trades Apple's normal
thin and light design for a profile more akin to its users. Of course,
the WideBook contains typical Apple innovation like a built-in hand
truck for transporting the ninety pound computer.
Laptop manufacturers have switched most production to the wide-load
segment as these oversized computers boast even fatter profit margins
than their normal laptops. "It's a cycle that we think will
continue," said Thomas Skoburn from the Portable Computer Manufacturing
Group. "As people spend more time on computers they will grow
even larger from inactivity and thus will need a bigger laptop which
will make them want to use the computer more. That's what I call
a cash cow."
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