Sales of laptop computers in the US have outstripped desktop PCs for the first time, according to figures released by analyst firm Current Analysis.

Laptop sales made up 53.3 per cent of total retail PC sales in May, compared to 45.9 per cent during the same period last year.

Current Analysis said that, while laptop sales may have temporarily outstripped desktops in the past due to special promotions, the latest figures represent a long-term trend.

Sam Bhavnani, a senior analyst at the firm, said that laptop performance has increased to close the gap with desktop systems, and that prices for portable computers are falling much faster than for other systems.

Greater competition is also driving sales, the analyst noted, as lesser known manufacturers like Acer achieve more shelf space in retail outlets.

Current Analysis also noted that Wi-Fi is expected as standard by consumers. Some 90 per cent of new laptops now have the wireless technology built in, up from 80 per cent last year.