Recent events in the technology industry such as the resignation of Steve Jobs, HP’s decision todistance itself from the PC business, and Google’s $12.5 billion dollar purchase of Motorola Mobility have many claiming that the PC era is coming to an end. As smart phones get smarter people who need to remain connected to their business or network are free to travel away from their desk and still have the ability to respond quickly to digital inquiries and communications. Tablets with larger screens and can be used for mobile HD presentations eliminating the need to carry more bulky laptops. Some tablets now have the ability to record 3D video and many support mobile versions of popular programs traditionally used on a PC. These features have no doubt contributed to the huge spike in sales of mobile devices while traditional desktop PC sales have been flat for years.
But hold on a minute. Before you break out the shovel and start digging the grave for your PC let’s look a little closer. Kids, in particular, are avoiding desktop PCs and laptops and opting for smart phones and iPads to play games, use e-mail and do other tasks that do not require large screens. Mobile devices are also being used for watching movies, reading books, playing games, and looking at photos. So it looks like mobile devices are not really being used for traditional computing tasks and that, at least for the time being, the PC will continue to rule workplaces and have a place in the home.
It appears that instead of witnessing the end of the PC era we are simply entering a “PC-plus era” where mobile devices will be used to extend the power of the PC and make it available almost anywhere.
Lucien Vaillancourt, Broker Owner, Native Sun Realty (904) 994-0493
info@NativeSunRealty.com
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I truly believe (like you stated) we are in the PC+ era. I know I wouldn't give up my laptop - not at this point in time.
Interesting perspective...I think it's temporry, though, this PC+ idea.
David I don't think business professionals, such as yourself, will be giving up their PC's anytime soon. There will always be a thirst for new techology and I am all for progress but there is presently nothing available with the processing power of a PC or Mac. If it comes along I'll be happy to add it to my toolbox.
Very true Li. All technology is temporary and trends come and go.
Computers and their accepted forms and sizes have evolved since they were invented. They will continue to do so..
Very true Judi. Remeber the Commodore 64. We have come a long way since then.
When I think back on those first laptop computers, I remember that everyone was upset because the keyboards were so small. Why, then, are they not upset at the smart phones and their keyboards, or lack of them?
I like your term, "pc-plus," Lucien. I'm not giving up my laptop and full-size keyboard any time soon. But--as soon as I decide which tablet-size device I want, I'm getting one. Between my Droid, a tablet/iPad and personal computer I'll have all bases covered --- for now!
Good question Russel. I thinhk since most of the hand held devices use touch screens and voice input keyboard size has become less of an issue.
Thanks Lottie but I did not invent the term "PC Plus". However I too like the term since it accurately describes the new devices.