In my own life, I use a Macbook Pro (17″) for work and as my main powerhouse computer, with a little HP Mini 1000 running Linux Mint for travel or for surfing the web when I’m on the couch. These all share a wireless N connection through my Airport Extreme, which itself is fed a net connection from Comcast using the Boost service. I have a Droid on Verizon’s network and an iPod Touch 2G hanging out. It’s a lot of tech, but it each has its own use. So why hasn’t one thing replaced the other completely?
In Brook Crother’s recent article, a media caption suggested that the new “tablet” concept will erode laptop sales. While I agree that tablets will dig into netbook sales, I actually tend to think the tablet idea is a new class of tech that won’t totally replace anything. Here is the thing, nerds like me want a phone, a powerhouse computer, and a mobile computer (be it netbook or tablet) at a minimum. One device won’t satisfy us. Most normal users want a phone (that can facebook, text, and possibly email) and a laptop or even desktop to do they’re surfing and shopping. Power users find ways to use new technology, regular joes are going to follow in our footsteps.
Essentially, we nerds are the trend-setters. I believe thats why the iPad had such great success. We’re seeking out applications for the new stuff in the pipeline. The three-device paradigm explains why laptops didn’t kill desktops, why netbooks didn’t kill laptops, and why the ipad won’t make everything else disappear. Something thats durable, something thats mobile but packs a punch, and something that is quite small but functional is what will define the tech landscape for the near future. Already I hear regular users dreaming of what the iPad means for them. As cloud computing takes off, mobile, app-centric operating devices will meet the mobile needs of the digital age. Notetaking, social networking, gaming, and reading is already being ported to the new platform for regular users to enjoy, there are plenty more applications that we the nerds will create for them.
In summary, it’s the applications. The reason we haven’t seen the mass extinction of any one particular genre of computer is because there are applications (both old and new) that exist for each type today. For powerhouse computing, there are desktops (or desktop replacement laptops). For mobile computing, the netbook and tablet devices are helping the worldwide transition to the cloud. Our mobile phones are great ways to be powered too, but there is something the new mobile class brings to the table that a phone can’t. Size matters sometimes, and having a tablet feels more like a notepad than a phone. This has been a rambling nerd observation I know, but as someone who plans on getting the next generation of iPad, I know there are uses for this type of tech for a wide-range of users.
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