Thursday, March 27, 2008
Will Portables Replace PC's? PC Mag Argues It Out!
Posted by Pete Paxton in "Smartphone Talk" @ 07:00 AM
http://www.pcmag.com/
"...but the vast majority of consumers and businesspeople simply need their PCs to handle e-mails, Web browsing, instant messaging, phone calls, word processing, videos, and photos. If they can get all of this from something that fits in their pocket and is ready to do their bidding anytime and anywhere, then why have a PC at all?""The desktop computer—whether it's a Mac or PC—is the best model for computing. Look, I'm not denying that the trend in computing is moving away from the desktop machine. I'm just saying that this is not a train I'm ready to ride."
Let me start by saying that I didn't choose this article because of the iphone. As a matter of fact, you can replace the word iphone with Dash, Tilt, Q9, or just about any other smartphone. The point here is that there is an argument over at PC Mag whether or not a portable device can replace your PC. When I went to St. Louis last summer I took only my Dash. I was able to email, watch videos, listen to music, view various documents, instant message, keep up with my schedule, surf the web and so on. When I went to Little Rock a couple of weeks ago I took only my iPhone and the results were the same. With both trips I was so glad I left my laptop behind. I never missed it and in fact I'm glad I didn't have to lug it around. I can see how someone would need the power of a laptop though. For true word processing, slideshow presentations, and spreadsheets, a pocket device often just doesn't cut it. So do you feel a portable device can replace your pc either all together or in certain situations? The argument for pocket devices can be found here and the argument against can be found here. When you're done reading, feel free to come back here and continue the argument.
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