Death of the Desktop
September 17, 2007 at 12:00:00 AM, by Raymond So
Read on to find Laptop Logic's view on desktops in a highly mobile world.
Page 1
If there's one dependable workhorse in our daily lives for work and leisure, it's the personal desktop computer. For years, these (mostly) beige boxes have been the staple mate for processing and storing mass amount of data and information. There's at least one in every household and you certainly will need one if you work at the office. As technology continues to advance and miniaturize, surely the desktop PC is beginning to see the end of its practicality as more and more consumers turn towards portable devices as the more mobile and flexible solution to our computing needs.
A Dying Breed
This isn't the first time such a phenomenon has happened. Thin paneled HDTVs are replacing traditional and bulky analog units. Gaming consoles essentially killed the arcade business, as these home machines are more than capable of taking on the mammoth arcade cabinets in processing and graphical power. Cell phones are quickly replacing traditional landlines. And let's not forget about the DVRs and DVDs out in the market that marked an end to the VHS era. Although these legacy' products are still available on the market, they're very much a dying breed and no longer mainstream. The desktop PC may just be next on the chopping block.
Wireless Freedom
So what's causing the desktop PC market to diminish? The answer: Laptops.
The laptop market is growing bigger and bigger each day and consumers are starting to turn away from the wired clutter that is the traditional desktop PC. It's no surprise either - Laptops are far more convenient and easier to travel with. And with the recent explosion of Wi-Fi hotspots spreading across the globe, anyone can access their work and communicate remotely using a portable device.
It's a laptop world!
Besides, no one likes dealing with a myriad of tangled wires that comes from buying a separate speakers, monitors, and keyboards. It's just not a pleasant experience when dealing with desktops. It's even worse when you have to transport these heavy units around and in most cases, you're stuck working in one setting or location.
My My, How Much the Laptop Has Grown
The most important growth of the laptop is its affordability, with performance coming in a close second. For years, laptops have skimped on the features, and lacked the processing speed and power of its desktop counterpart. Today, you can find laptops that are just as or even more powerful than desktops, but in a much more compact form. There are many different form factors and options to choose from, making it easy to find a laptop that fits your needs. Gamers are even finding notebook computers more suitable, especially when it comes to attending LAN parties.
Ridiculous as it is, there are even laptops that function as true desktop replacements' with screens that go up to 20' and feature a full-sized keyboard with numerical pad. These mammoth sized portables' are hardly lightweight or energy efficient, but they allow for use anywhere you may be and prove that laptops are the future of desktop computing, ironically.
The Acer 9800 - 20' of massive ridiculousness. A true desktop-class notebook for replacing the traditional desktop computer.
Prices have dropped considerably too, with prices starting around $500 and well equipped machines in the $1500 range. Furthermore, Apple Computer has witnessed a huge explosion in its laptop sales while their desktops have remained steady. According to Steve Jobs, notebook sales accounted for almost 2/3 of Mac sales last quarter.
Mobility and Productivity in Laptops
More and more laptops are being favored in use over desktops, especially on the education front. Students are turning to laptops for the portability and easy setup for dorm rooms. The fact that students can transport their homework (and media) to classes, to the library, or back home makes it a key selling point. Prices have dropped considerably making them a very attractive purchase for the back-to-school season. Even Steve Jobs has stated his desire for every student to own a laptop, a 1:1 ratio that is certainly looking plausible thanks to his company's attractively priced and feature-packed MacBook notebook computer. With higher education institutions integrating wireless technology and the internet more and more, laptops are the obvious choice.
Businesses, too are seeing the benefits of laptops as they offer far more productivity and flexibility for their employees as a means to work on-the-go whether at the office, at home, or traveling abroad. While the desktop PC will continue to remain in the cubicles, it would be more efficient for a business to provide its employees with laptops that also can be docked to an external monitor and keyboard. This way, employees can take their work home when necessary. Although this shift won't happen right away, the trend is certainly starting to open up.
With more and more people setting up wireless hotspots at home and in coffee shops, people can access the Internet anywhere. Personally, I love the fact that I can roam freely about around the house and watch TV in the living room, while still being able to chat with friends and surf the web. It's this flexibility and convenience that makes having a laptop that much more enjoyable to work with.
Page:1/1
Stay up-to-date with the latest mobile technology news and laptop reviews with our free newsletter! Get free tips, news and information from Laptop Logic and find the best laptop deals online.
Comments
There are no comments yet.