Laptops truly became a popular gadget for business people in the late 1990's. As the millennium approached, their popularity with the masses grew. During the first 10 years of the new millennium, laptops quickly overtook desktops as the preferred personal computer. This was due, in large part, to advances in laptop technical support. In the 1990's, it was difficult to find a computer technician who could work on laptop issues. Many of the internal parts where hard to replace and operating systems were often pared-down versions of desktop applications because of limited disk space. This dilemma spawned growing interest in laptop technical support degrees at the collegiate level.

Many students and companies saw a growing need for professionals who were trained specifically in laptop technology. However, few programs offered actual degrees in laptop technical support. Instead, many courses were offered in partnership with laptop manufacturers as an add-on to more traditional computer skills training. Even today, with the explosive popularity of laptops, it is difficult to find laptop technical support degrees or even diploma programs. Many of the programs offered come from small trade schools and community colleges where students focus on gaining marketable job skills rather than career training.

While finding laptop technical support degrees is difficult, finding programs that offer the skills necessary are not as hard to find. Few carry names like an Associate of Art in Laptop Sciences or other immediately identifiable labels. Instead, these skills are incorporated into other existing programs. For example, a student might select a diploma program in generic computer technical support and opt to choose coursework or classes that focus on aspects of laptop technology. Alternatively, students can select coursework in mobile computing where they learn not just about laptop tech support, but support for other mobile devices like smart phones.

Specific laptop technical support degrees may only exist at select small schools and institutes for higher learning, if at all, but that does not mean students cannot learn the same skills they would need for such a career. It simply means they must dig a little deeper and ask more questions to find the right program to teach them these skills. This and similar degree pursuits are prime examples of why colleges employ academic advisors and other assistance for new students. A student can explain to their enrollment or academic advisor what they want to do in terms of working with technical support for laptops, and then choose coursework that provides them the best knowledge.

As consumers continue to choose the portability of laptops over big and bulky desktop computers, the need for increased tech support will naturally follow. As such, more laptop technical support degrees and degree programs will become available. In the meantime, students may have to find more creative ways to get the education needed for their career goals or future plans. For example, students may opt to study other elements of computing and technical support, but volunteer for internships with companies that can teach them valuable laptop-specific support skills.