Is the PC Dead?

I haven't read the article, but I'm not sure if this takes into account the fact that PCs already exist within homes; how that would come into play, as many people probably don't feel the need to buy another PC, even though what is suggested with the "good enough computing" statement is that they are satisfied with their current PC setting.

I'd like to see more data...



ETA: read the article, and I can see what they're saying with the swapping out of laptops for tablets; still, eventually people stop buying something until it becomes more necessary. Most kids have pretty impressive consoles to play with, and an iPhone/iTouch to use wirelessly to connect with their friends, if not via their mobile device alongside a tablet device [ie, facebook and twitter]. It really begs me the question of my previous analysis.

I think the way people use computers in the home is changing, and we probably are coming to do day when the desk top PC sitting in some corner of the house is a thing of the past. You have the tablets and smartphones taking over increasing numbers of PC tasks. A lot of home entertainment systems are now capable of playing instant watch stuff from Netflix. There's the whole cloud computing concept. Traditionally computers held out in the video game department because the keyboard and mouse worked better than D-pad based controllers. But with the increasing technical capabilities of home consoles and the analog sticks PC gaming is in toilet. Also, the consoles have taken over other PC functions. You can browse the internet, watch your Netflix instant watch stuff, use messenger services, and a lot of other functions.

I would say in the future people will have a home server rather than a home computer. But I also don't think that's going to happen tomorrow either. Part of the slow in computer sales is that computers have gotten to the point where you can actually keep it around for awhile. It's not the 90's anymore where what's coming out year to year is so radically better that it renders everything older hopelessly obsolete.

Alongside this, as a side note, I'd like to consider the changes of technology and the introduction of a more intellectual mainstream; that is, even sitcoms have changed (The Big Bang Theory) to meet an ever increasing intellectual stimulus growth. I noticed an advertisement on television recently, very recently actually, in regards to a middle-class vehicle that was completely directed to an audience aware of technology.

I, for one, like it.

I would disagree, given that most of the world has a higher state of learning that is has in the past; we no longer subscribe to the ideas of communism for the most part, and even democracy has become something of great scrutiny (or, at least, this system of democracy has). I would state that in America, things have become more reliant on consumerism and technicalities as a way of promenading (ETA:considering the emphatic decline in the educational system there); but, with the rest of the world it's not so.

Considering the advances of the internet and the availability of information, I would definitely say that the world is becoming more intellectual.

I've found that there were many of people, probably a bias sector of quantifying or demographic though, enjoyed the geeky jargon; and the fact that they're including a 'hot' female is merely to keep the attention of the less capable, as well as the intertwining of the relationship of a physicist and a waitress gives fodder to basic social desires of not only geeks, nerds, or 'specialists' and 'techies'; but, transforms the possibility of one in the past to the sort of relationship as a keen possibility for females now and into the future.

But I digress...

Well, I can't say it's exactly surprising as far as the 'good enough' computing point goes. Most users aren't very computer-literate and only perform a select few tasks that tablets, consoles, or home media centers easily provide. But that just means that those users are most likely interacting with a PC the way they were 20-30 years ago, not that the PC is dying - it's just drifting back to its core base.

Personally, I find a lot of those types of things cumbersome if not on the PC.

broken_one said:

If anyone argues that the iffy stateside economy is to blame for desktop and laptop sales waning, ask them to explain why smartphone and tablet sales took off last year.

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1. tablets weren't widely available until last year ... odd huh?

2. i can buy a smart phone on android for 50 bucks or less, walmart gives away older gen iphones for free ... where is the price comparison to a computer? in a slowing market smaller priced items are obviously gonna be easier to afford than large ticket items.

bottom line there are probably a lot of reasons for the numbers but none of them are anomalous, and the PC isn't dying. Its just not the only show in town anymore, however given that it isnt a zero sum game and that people can and usually do own both. If anything its an augmentation not a replacement (people use them in complimentary roles to each other), which is kinda an obvious observation.

K
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_______F

broken_one said:

Is the PC Dead? (MSFT)

Is the PC Dead?

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More than likely it's just become more of a niche market.

Some of us like keyboards that we can type on without having to look at our fingers, and still others like to have a mouse they can maneuver in the palm of their hand. Add a screen to see what you're doing, and you have then essentials of a computer setup.

Will PC's change? Yes, they have, they will, they will continue to.

And maybe the keyboard and mouse will change a bit too.

But at the end of the day, whatever it is, I'm still going to want to build my own...that and put Linux on it.

I cannot see tablets as any more than a fad. they're just impractical. too large to fit your pocket without the convenience of a keyboard. A smart phone on the other hand while being small, is small. I mean yes it doesnt have a keyboard but it is compact and has another reason to carry it besides the internet.

Versions of tablets have been around since the 80's and they just never really catch on. they're tech toys for people with money to burn really.

I believe the PC and the TV will completely converge for home use, and that mobile
computers, such as smartphones, tablets, and netbooks will continue to get
faster and cheaper.

People are very quick to declare things dead in the mainstream, but in this case, they're on to something. Tech blogs bashed the iPad without realizing that this is exactly what most people were looking for. Smart phones are extremely convenient because you can carry them with you. Say your car broke down and you need to call a tow truck, but you're not at home and can't look up a number. Oh, that's easy enough now with smart phones.

I still have a desktop computer constructed in 2005. It still runs Windows XP. If I need to reformat the hard drive, I do it. While it can't keep up with modern PC gaming, I find myself not caring so much. I've bought laptops since then because the convenience of being able to take it with me is simply too much to ignore. It's not to say I won't build another desktop computer, but the incentive just isn't there for me.

Now it's not to say a big desktop computer is useless. If you need one, by all means purchase one.

Blind post:

Of course the demand for PCs is slightly decresing especially in the gaming industry. But on the other hand, even in the gaming scene there are giants like WoW etc that are exclusive to PC. I wouldn't say there has been alot change in the gaming side of things in the last couple years. I wouldn't be too hasty to do say that tabloids etc will replace PC, lots of everyday stuff is after all still much more convenient to do on PC.

I could swear I saw a review for the new macbook that said something like it's the last notebook type computer you'll ever need. Meaning by time the technology wears off, tablets will be up to snuff with notebooks and such.

It seems likely. You also have to realize every device will soon be able to do cloud computing and the fastest desktop will not be able to touch it.. rendering all devices basically tied in speed and performance.

Soon information will literally follow you around, say you get out of your house and go to your car.. you'll be able to access everything through the windshield window.. or the mirror in your bathroom with the same literally speed and consistency.

jonsun80 said:

I cannot see tablets as any more than a fad. they're just impractical. too large to fit your pocket without the convenience of a keyboard. A smart phone on the other hand while being small, is small. I mean yes it doesnt have a keyboard but it is compact and has another reason to carry it besides the internet.

Versions of tablets have been around since the 80's and they just never really catch on. they're tech toys for people with money to burn really.

Click to expand...

I'm on the road typing on the iPad right now, with my blooo tooth keyboard. Since I don't to do heavy computing and since I get ten hours of battery life per charge, this makes a great replacement for carrying a notebook around.

I can fit it in a little strofoam like sleeve and it's easy to bring with me. Lot less hassle than having to carry a charger with me for when I'm on the road a long time.

I wish Political Correctness would die.

Seeing as I play games on my computer (like Team fortress 2), I don't think I'll be switching over to tablets any time soon. Even if they came out with a tablet that was capable of playing those kinds of games, I'd still prefer to stick with a desktop. Some things just feel wrong in another format.

The pc will be used by pros who need the power like graphic artists and for video editing and gaming. Pc gaming power wise crush the consoles. I have graphic that blow the ps3 out of the water right now. But for the average person I can see a slow down if all you used your pc for a sending email and surfing.....