• The Wall Street Journal, Thursday, July 26, 2007 12:45 PM

For years, consumers were happy to buy their PCs online. But as laptops have become more popular, people have increasingly sought to touch and test out their computers before buying. During the first five months of this year, 60% of PCs sold to consumers were bought in a store--the highest share this decade--up from just under 53% two years ago, according to NPD Group.

Now online retailers are going to new lengths to try to make shopping on their sites easier, more informative and engaging. The efforts include faster checkout; more online video about product; user reviews; click-to-call service that allows shoppers to quickly get a call from company reps; price-comparison features and community forums.

In revamping their sites, online vendors are trying to take advantage of the fact that many consumers research their PC purchases online. They say they don't want to compete on price. Instead, they aim to make it feel more like the PC is right in front of the shopper and can be bought instantly.

Read the whole story at The Wall Street Journal »