In August, FPT Shop saw a significant rise in laptop sales: 30 percent month-on-month and 100 percent year-on-year.

The VND20-million (US$862) segment experienced a 70 percent spurt from the previous month and 200 percent compared to the same month in 2020.

An FPT Shop representative said in the segment consumers mostly opted for devices with powerful configurations, high-resolution cameras and thin and portable sizes.

Besides, gaming laptops were trending.

In contrast, sales of laptops costing less than VND15 million declined by half from the previous month though they were up 10 percent year-on-year.

CellphoneS and other large retailers also reported an increase 50 percent year-on-year in laptop sales. The VND15-20 million segment was the best selling.

Le Minh, a consultant at a large electronics store in HCMC, said demand for laptops priced at VND20 million for work and study purposes has increased dramatically compared to the first half of the year and the same period in 2020.

"Those who need advice are people who buy laptops for their children and in need of devices for work. They are willing to spend more money on good models because they presume that studying and working remotely is going to be for the long term. They look for durability, warranty period, machine configuration, battery life, and camera quality."

Nguyen Lac Huy of CellphoneS said mid-priced laptops are most in demand.

"In the near future, when remote working and studying are still in vogue, demand for laptops and tablets will boom."

Hoang Van Dung, director of the laptop section at FPT Shop, said the trend of buying mid-range laptops would continue as long as people work and study from home. Everyone is in need of a device powerful enough to meet a wide range of demands.

Vietnam, which has recorded over 469,000 Covid-19 cases since Apirl, has social distancing in many cities and provinces, including an ongoing lockdown in HCMC since August 23 that prohibits people from leaving home.