> I am describing computer stores where people walk into, not online stores. There are two major issues that make them a worse source for data points on hardwa

> I am describing computer stores where people walk into, not online stores. There are two major issues that make them a worse source for data points on hardware popularity than online stores: 1. Availability: it's hard to get the numbers in an aggregate form, while I just skimmed a search engine for 5 minutes. 2. Shelf space: brick and mortar stores can only ship 2 devices of a small set of major OEMs. With such constraints, they'll limit themselves to what they belive will be block busters in their (brick&mortar) market, creating a reinforcing loop. Before the iPhone (say 2003), many stores didn't even carry Apple computers because they were "niche" and incapable of running Magix Video Deluxe. It's too expensive to keep "one of everything" around when you pay $$$ for every square meter of shop space. That's a market distortion, not a hyper-realistic representation of customer intent.