Computers are DEAD. Long live tablets!

by 206 replies
253
Hi guys,

I went computer shopping at the weekend.

Here's what I saw in PC World:
  • Tablets (iPads, iPad clones,Kindles) - huge crowds in these aisles, I could barely get to see the products, much less try them out. Teenage girls are dreaming of iPads in their Christmas sacks this year .
  • Laptops - a bit of interest.
  • Desktop PC's - only tumbleweed in this aisle !
What does this mean for us? It means that we all need to be focusing our efforts on monetising tablets. The public has spoken - the future of the Internet is the tablet .

Also mobile of course, but most people buy mobile phones in smaller stores.

And if you trade stocks, short Microsoft and Dell, long Apple and Amazon!
#main internet marketing discussion forum #computers #dead #live #long #tablets
  • The reason you saw no one in the PC aisle is because most people already have a PC. PCs will be around for quite some time because in most cases a tablet won't cut it for serious day to day work.
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    • Banned

      Exactly, some folks actually have work to do (desktops), not just email, games, videos.
    • Bull's eye!
      I'd like to see a tablet run my current setup...4 monitors, 2TB HD, 24GB RAM, etc.
      • [1] reply
  • yes you are correct .now tablet is chef compare to desktop.and easy and new feature available in tablet..........
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    • I think tablets are going to take over the world very soon.

      I'm just waiting on the iPad adding a proper operating system, lots of memory, storage space, and a proper keyboard attachment.

      Then goodbye laptops, hello tablets.
      • [4] replies
  • PCs are nowhere near dead.
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  • PCs will never be dead. Neither for gamers nor for professionals/advanced users.

    Besides, without a proper file manager the iPad can't never be your only device. How will you email files, plain regular files?

    My PC is worth close to 6 grands and I spend a few grands on my PC and gadgets every year. And by the way, I have an iPad 3 but I don't have a pappy
  • PC will still be around. Ask any serious gamer, they can't play their favorite game on tablets!
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    • True! although tablets come with a promise of portability and convenience, there are many things you can't do with tablets...well, probably, not yet.
    • And don't forget about web design, software/app development, video editing, audio editing, and graphics/photo editing... each of which are tasks that millions of professionals take part in every day. And each of which are tasks that are either impossible or highly impractical to perform on a tablet.

      In other words... everything that you read and interact with on a tablet... was created on a desktop computer.
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  • Tablets just like Apple devices are rather pointless things.
    Fine if you want to do a bit of surfing or rotate your photographs, but useless if you want to do any programming, serious development or run application software.
    Tablets have their market, but PC's will never die.
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    • It baffles me how people can conduct effective business on tablet.

      Sure, the odd email and surfing on the move or sitting anywhere outside of office, but that's where it ends surely....?
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  • I think tablets are the most hyped up piece of c#"p so far this century!

    All they really are just giant mobile phones with nothing extra to offer a phone user other than a larger screen.

    Whenever I walk past a coffee shop and see people using trying to look trendy just because they are using a tablet, i always laugh to myself because I think they look so ridiculous.

    They kind of remind me of a comedy show i've seen (can't remember the name) where a guy would start shouting on this gigantic phone in a public place every week.:p

    If a small unknown company released the ipad first, they would probably be laughed off the high street in a matter of weeks.

    That's the power of great marketing, Almost anything can be sold.
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    • I couldn't agree with you more. When I first heard about the release of the iPad I was laughing my head off. I thought "I can't wait for this stupid piece of S#*t to fail". Then suddenly a new industry was born, everyone was carrying about these retarded tablets that looked like training phones for babies and old people. It really goes to show you slap an apple badge on ANYTHING and it will become an overnight success.
  • I don't think anybody has run a serious business using tablets and mobile devices. You can't perform many things with tablets because their processing power is limited. You can't perform word processing or programming using tablets because doing so is uncomfortable and cumbersome. Same with gaming.

    I prefer my desktop PC with a widescreen LCD screen. I use tablets but only for entertainment and social networking. It's useless for business work. Who wants to get their work interrupted because they have to recharge their tablets?
  • I do not think that PCs are going to go away.

    However, we can not ignore that more and more people are going to be spending time on their tablets and on their mobile devises.

    Although I love my laptop, I always have my Mobile phone with me and probably spend five times more time on my mobile phone than I do on my Mac. I also have a crappy mobile phone, which furthers the argument.

    I don't think it is any secret that more wealth is going to be created by those who master mobile and the tablet than those who just focus on PC (or MAC, sorry I had to slip that in).
  • To me, it means it's time for internet marketers to think of those new devices.
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    • Banned
      You'd be surprised no doubt if you had one how much you could incorporate your business duties into it. Example - if you spend a lot of time at the PC doing tasks you could probably do on the iPad either directly or through a VPS using one of the many free RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) apps then you are not restricted to being in one place at one time and can save on electric too. :rolleyes:
  • I am using working on my PC and using PC at work.. I don't think they will just disappear. The advantage tablet has is convenience and mobility.

    my 2 cents~
  • PC is just for us geeks, the rest of the world will use tablets.

    Let them play their games, let them watch their online movies from their tablet while we work from our PCs and laptops. Long live tablets, wealth for all marketers!
  • I think it somewhat has to do with our impatient culture. We want instant on, instant loading, no lag or sluggishness. Tablets care for this implusive nature.

    Once SSDs and RAM are improved... and laptops are seemless in their loading of apps and the OS then people will gravitate towards laptops again. Or maybe I know nothing and we will all be wearing Google Glass by then.


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    • Wow!

      Something else is dead now?

      I once wondered why Allen didn't have an obituary section for all of the methods and things proclaimed dead here until it dawned on me that none of those things actually died. Only the misuse, misconceptions and misunderstandings regarding them did. :p

      Terra
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  • Why not have all three? A tablet is great for snuggling under a blanket and browsing the Web. A laptop lets me take my work to the beach and still keep up with my online world. My one gripe is that I have to replace it too often. My PC is king, and I can't imagine every going without it. If I had to choose only one device, my PC would win, hands down.
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  • Do you think tablets can be used as "Servers?"

    I agree that PC won't be dead anytime soon.

    So let's see.
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    • I agree!

      I worked in the medical field for years and I honestly can't see all the computers there being replaced by tablets from medical receptionists to medical billers, and upwards. Especially in all of the hospital's satellite offices that are all connected. Tablets just couldn't cut it, I'm afraid.

      Terra
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  • If you want something more portable than a PC or laptop why not just get a Netbook.
    I use them in hotels and they give me the power of a PC, laptop in a smaller device.
    I can run all the software I need for IM and beyond.
    No need to look at under performing tablets.
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    • the only problem with netbook is that you always need to be beside an electric outlet... I can't use it for more than 3 hours...
  • Wow, lots of thoughts here.

    Of course PC's aren't dead, and servers will have to be around for a long time.

    But the point is, you need to base your business decisions on what OTHER PEOPLE are buying, and the majority don't seem to be buying PC's anymore.

    I'm also a software developer, and of course I need a PC.

    Or do I?

    My 11yo niece is really good at creating content on her iPad. In fact she uses it for school (nearly every child has one at the school). If you're blogging you could easily do that on a tablet (with maybe an external keyboard for longer articles).

    I also do more work on the cloud. I used to use the SQL Server desktop client software, now I mostly use MySQL's web based front end. I could easily do that on any type of device.

    And as for gaming, well iPad games are hugely popular of course, but personally I'm a PlayStation gamer.
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    • PC gaming is an a leaugue of it's own and is vast.

      It actually encompasses purchasing PC parts for the sake of competitive system performance.
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    • Many people don't buy PCs anymore because they can do their stuff on tablets or smartphones: Check emails, check facebook, surf the net, keep in contact with friends, watch films, listen to music, take pictures, shoot some videos and play simple games.
      Not everybody has a job that requires a "real" computer. Some are just satisfied with the activities mentioned above. People who only do this don't need a PC or laptop.

      The PC will never go away, but sales could go down.
      A PC+ big monitor is for serious work and running complex software. I use it also for video editing and flight simulations. Thats where You need the power of a PC!

      In my opinion the biggest advantage of a tablet is mobility. Its easier to use and carry while travelling. And I use it as a navigation device as well.
      It combines a car gps, digital photo camera, digital video camera and outdoor GPS all in one. Normally I would have bought these as separate devices. As navigation devices, tablets are easier to handle than netbooks or laptops where You would have to add and carry around another exterior GPS as well.
  • Not sure why people think you can't actually run a business from a tablet. Maybe its because they don't setup their business to be run that way?

    I probably have about as many irons in the internet business fire as most anyone, and i find it is actually easier to run my business from my ipad.

    This summer I went about 3 months never touching a pc or laptop. just an iphone and ipad.

    I can do most graphic editing (the major stuff is outsourced anyway), create pdf's, type damn near as fast on the screen as a keyboard, work and track developers easily, handle email and support desk stuff, handle all the payment stuff you can think of and much more.

    In fact, many of the tasks are actually easier to do on my ipad than on a pc.

    I will admit though it took me about 1 year to find and organize all the apps and services to make that all possible though.
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    • I think this is the main reason. I'm actually setting up my business to run it from a tablet, though I'll probably have a laptop as well.

      The only thing missing I've found, as a blogger, is the ability to save your tablet with something like Carbonite.
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    • Wow, David. I'd love to watch your work one day. I am so attached to my PC that I can't even entertain the thought of working without it. I grew up typing on a keyboard and type about 95% by touch only. If the younger generations are growing up on their iPads and using that typing platform, then that's probably what they'll be used to when doing their own things later on. What a diverse world we're living in, truly!

    • You should tell me which apps you find the most essential.

      I have been using ONLY an iPad 3 for the past 6 Months now to work, not even a phone (I have skype on it). Though not by choice!

      It's great for many things. The portability and longer battery life. The apps etc.

      I've written 2 80 page Ebooks on my ipad. No external keyboard. Yes it's a lot slower to type with only 1 finger, though I've gotten pretty fast at it now actually. I used to write very long emails on my iPhone.

      Though often it's simply frustrating that I can't download certain things, that I can't use software I want to use and others are using, that many people's videos (although so stupid) are still not mobile friendly when it doesn't take anymore time to choose a mobile friendly format instead, and I have to outsource a lot of work like design and tech stuff etc.

      Outsourcing is ok, though often I just want to do something myself cause I know what I want and how I want it to look and it wouldn't take me long. Instead I have to go back and forth with outsourcers on revisions etc.

      I've customized and rewritten things like plugins while standing at the Apple store to use their computers for it.

      Tablets are great if they're not your only device. Wish I had gotten an 11" Air instead!
  • I think you guys are describing something a little like this as the ideal:



    Maybe those guys at Microsoft aren't as stupid as we think....
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    • Brett B,

      First you say "computers are dead."

      Then in your next post you say "of course PC's aren't dead."

      Which is it? Where do you really stand?

      Steve
  • I'd defaintly buy a Surface and use it as a multi-media device.

    Otherwise PC's will stay a live for a very long time.
  • OP's post is sort of funny..short Microsoft? Right, with Win8 and the new Tablets coming out won't be a financial win for the company? lol.

    General consumer is moving more towards having mobility in their pocket moreso these days. But BIG business is driving the need for, and access to, servers/desktops/enterprise solutions. "PC's" aren't going anywhere.

    Although I do admit, from a security standpoint, the BYOD situation is causing some headaches in infrastructures all over the place.
  • Screen size does matter, PCs will not be dead
  • My ipad is displaying on a 65 inch screen as I type this...lol
  • Don't the tablets "compute?"
  • It's premature to announce the death of the desktop computer. There's 3 of them in our house, all in use. I have two iBooks I use when traveling. I prefer a desktop for day to day stuff I do at home, bigger screen, nicer keyboard.

    Yeah I'd like an iPad but it wont be happening for a while, cant justify the cost.
  • Desktops aren't going away, they're just not the "hot new thing".

    A fullsize keyboard, a mouse and a 20+ inch screen (or two) is just convenient.
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    • I remember when laptops were new (yes I'm showing my age) and everyone thought the PC was on the way out. Did it ever happen? No. Will tablets take out PCs? No.
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    • Computers are not dead.

      Many persons rely on pc's or laptops to run their seo software which tablets cannot do.
  • I am positive that PC will still be around for a long time.

    Even in big Stores, PC are being used.

    Of course Tablets are getting popular but this won't make the PC obsolete.
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  • My profession is design and there is no way you'd ever see me doing my job on my laptop unless my main desktop happened to fail.

    Desktop publishing houses (i.e the press) are composed mostly of desktop PC's hooked to large / speciality monitors. That's just one example.

    Whilst desks exist, whilst syncronization with laptops / tablets exists (for people to be able to take their work away from the desk) the desktop PC isn't going anywhere. It's the father that spawned all gadgetery children.

    If you can do business on a tablet, you aren't working hard enough!

    Lose the gadgets and get to work!!
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    • or you are paying other people to do the hard work whilst enjoying life a bit.

      Don't worry, i put in my time in front of a pc, but today there really is just no need for me to do that.
  • depends.. i think tablets will take up some share of the computer users market...

    But serious users will use PC for video editing

    Less serious people will use laptop at least

    Browsing and casual users might use Tablets..

    I personally find no merit of using a tablet. If i have a 4" inch phone. Why would i need a tablet? Its useless at least for me.
  • So is SEO apparently.
  • I could never work all day on a tablet. I tried a friends tablet and just didn't like it at all. It was hard to type on etc.

    I'll always have a desktop and a laptop. I don't even want a tablet.

    I do have a smartphone that I do use to check on things when I'm not near my desktop. But it will never replace my desktop or laptop. At least for me it won't.

    Chad
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    • People are getting really defensive about PC's being dead.

      Didn't the "long live tablets" part make you realize he wasn't saying there would be no PCs left in the entire world?:confused:
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  • A PC is a PC.

    A tablet = tablet.

    It will not be dead nor replacing each other.
    • [1] reply
    • What am I talking about?

      Read this....

      Thread's title: Computers are DEAD. Long live tablets!

      I just realized that even tables are Computers. The thread title is confusing.

      Well, we just shared our thoughts about this and we are entitled to our own opinions.
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  • Banned
    Well, whichever allows me to finish my daily tasks as a Help Desk Associate for Content Writing 360°, I'm all for it.
  • In my house we have:

    2 Desktops - used for business. Have 26 inch screens and one doubles as a TV in my office. Also watch Netflix on it.

    2 Laptops - Wife and son's computers. They love them for portability and surfing. Nice big screens and KEYBOARDS.

    2 Android Tablets. I would never use these for business. We use them for e-readers, watching Netflix or surfing in bed and the odd email. I could never use this thing for anything serious.

    3 Android Smartphones. Used for what smartphones are used for. Would never try to do business on these things other than the odd email and small tasks on the go.

    1 Netbook - My portable business center.

    So in my opinion, tablets are just toys. People like toys but they have their limitations. Although the Surface tablet is trying to bridge the gap.

    Computers will be around for a long time. People aren't buying them much now because most already have one or several. My Desktops are five years old and I see no need to replace them yet. My netbook is three years old. My Tablets are two years old. Laptops are one year old. None will be replaced anytime soon.
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    • This is super true for me as well . Cann't agree more to it.

      1) Office : We run around with a tablet like a headless chicken ( Tandoori Chicken type )
      2) Work Computer: Hard wired desktop pc for heavy duty network work.
      3) Home computers: Running multiple application for me and others at home.
      4) Tablet : Young ones playing with it. i.e. talking tom type play.
      5) In the journey: I am wasting my time on a tablet and showing off... :p
      6) Laptop: Business meeting and warriorforum learning.
      7) Tablet: to start any VPS server activity remotely. ( Only if I am out and about with my mates and couldn't complete the work in office)
      8) Still like my destop as I can do a lot of work.

      Long live the desktop.

      Regards,
      Swrajit
  • Pc's are not dead.. Most people have them already, I dont know many people who work online with a tablet.
  • Tablet is only for fun, you can’t type fast and work on tough projects without an actual keyboard and mouse. As a programmer, I need to have a dual monitor as well – tablets don’t have this.
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    • For me...
      • My PC desktop is for playing games
      • My laptop/notebook(s) are for day to day personal & business usage
      • My tablet (iPad) is for my flying
      Each has its own role.

      But if I absolutely have to pick one - I would pick my high-end Windows notebook.

      Mindstorms Mike
  • Tablets are still computers, right? But in a different form. Yup, they're different from desktops. The thing is the way desktops and laptops work is basically the same. So if the desktops are gone, we still have the laptops to think about.
  • I've got two "laptops" - one is an ASUS Republic gaming laptop (~2 years old, but still packs a punch with 8gb of RAM, 2gb graphics, quad core processor etc)
    And I've also got an ASUS transformer tablet with docking keyboard.

    Now the tablet kicks ass for traveling, watching YouTube videos with its HD screen, emails, basic web browsing etc.

    However, it just cannot match the power and functionality of my big laptop for productivity and Internet marketing tasks.

    I can't see tablets killing laptops in our field quite yet!
  • Computers are dead? NEVER!

    Give me my 27" iMac or 13.3" MBA any day of the week over a tablet. Nothing beats point and click with a real mouse, and nothing beats fast typing on a proper keyboard that can actually keep pace with my input speed!

    I have a tablet, it has now been passed to the Mrs who uses it in bed to check her bank, look on facebook etc.

    I think you are very premature my friend!
  • Tablets are the solution to all of your mobile computing and entertainment needs....

    ...until you actually BUY a tablet!

    Tablets are extremely limited and are not going to replace the computer anytime soon. For basic tasks and for mobile computing needs, it will definitely put up some stiff competition.

    However, computers are and will remain to be needed. Tablets will trail for quite a bit of time.
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    • Here's a possibility I don't think I've seen mentioned... Tablets could well end up driving sales of laptops and desktop systems to people who might otherwise not have bothered.

      Tablets aren't as threatening to technophobes or people with no computer experience. They're great intro devices. If they don't fix some of the limitations, though, a lot of those people are going to want more. And the price difference isn't large enough any more to stop them from buying a laptop or netbook or desktop system to get it.

      If you look at it as a hybrid option, you get into some fun possibilities. Still, copying and pasting are a pain on the iPad, and I can't imagine trying to do anything that required fine pointer control with a touchscreen interface.

      As far as netbooks... The comments about RAM and SSDs are spot on. The power issue is just a matter of spending a bit more for a longer life battery. I have an ASUS netbook that will last 10+ hours on a charge under normal work conditions.

      A friend tells me that SDHC cards with 128 gig capacity are due out soon, with 256 gigs not far behind. That will change the way laptops and netbooks are used by a lot of people.

      At the moment, you can get a 32 gig Class 10 microSD card for under $25. That means I can carry backups of critical business files in my phone. Or download big stuff from Dropbox, as needed. That changes things. Think about what happens when that goes to 256 gigs, and you can pop one of those babies into a tablet...


      Paul
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  • For all the tablet haters,

    There is not a single thing I need to do to make money in the IM field that I can't do from my ipad.

    The very few tasks that need to get done that require some pc only software are very easily outsourced.

    most who don't think tablets are good for work have never spent the time to both setup their business to run from a mobile location via a tablet and actually learn to use their tablet effectively.

    in fact earlier today, i typed a few responses to WF threads with my ipad (in a water proof case that floats) actually in a pool having drinks at a swim up bar. Try that with a pc.
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    • By your own admission though, you aren't working. You are at a bar in a pool enjoying life.

      There's no denying that a tablet can be used for giving instructions to PA's (who probably use desktops to do your work) and typing a few sentences into a forum...
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  • i dont think there will be 17"+ tablet... I agree with m4dcoder... screen size matters....
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    • Travis,That would defeat the purpose of portability. Still, one could argue that such beasts already exist, and just aren't used the way we think of when we think about tablets.

      I've seen touchscreen PCs that are much larger than 17".


      Paul
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  • PCs will be around for awhile but eventually phase out once technology can fully support tablets to accomplish more tasks
  • Tablets are slowly converting into computers and getting more intelligent by the second. However, it's not going to fully replace a computer for quite a bit of time. The tasks you can accomplish on a computer (not to mention the simplicity) is much more than on a tablet. Tablets are made for doing everyday easy tasks such as checking your email, surfing the web, etc. But you'll have much trouble coding in it, testing stuff, and doing all the 'technical' stuff due to the lack of features. It's great for consumers and everyday people, but not yet sophisticated for internet marketers. In fact, when I saw the Windows 8 developer release, I was really upset to see that they had removed a ton of useful features and replaced them with useless ones! They are generally aiming for the regular everyday person who doesn't need to do much on a computer. However they're leaving out the small minority of us. This has got to leave a lot for internet marketers to think about.
  • I think the tablet is the future for many people. Desktop's will not be needed by most users. I even think laptops are overkill for many. Tablets are portable, have long battery life and easy to use. My father uses one. My nieces each have one. I am writing this post with one. I use a Motorola Xoom.

    Yes, I do have a desktop. But I use it less and less. I do much more with my MacBook Air. I design websites with it as well as write PHP code with the laptop.

    For everything else I use my tablet. I watch moves. Listen to music. Keep track and answer email. I even edit articles written in Word.

    Yes. desktops will be around at least for now for certain tasks but you just don't know what will happen in the future and I choose to keep an open mind.



  • PCs will live on. they'll get upgraded from time to time. I think people are drawn to tablets since they're portable and all. But, PCs are still most useful for people at work. I work full time online and I can't imagine using a tab for like 8 long hours.
  • PCs are dying out. Tablets!
  • Well we certainly need to make some of our promotion videos accessible to those devices however can you ever imagine WORKING from a tablet? No thanks... I use 2 hp2335 screens and a normal size keyboard so a tablet surely isn't going to cut it for the work I need to get done. Same with offices... Do you think offices are going to go to the tablet? Not on your life...

    Tablets are for people who just want to surf the internet and be connected because it's cool. Nothing wring with that, but for serious online entrepreneurs they will still be using home computers.

    Heck, even laptops are hard to work from... But hey tablet sales have risen because it's cool to put that much technology into something so small. It;s for the "me to" crowd, not a serious internet marketer...

    Just sayin' but tablets won't work for my business.
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    • I think there's going to be people running million-dollar businesses from a tablet, while some people make a decent wage on a desktop.

      Then you'll have people who run million-dollar businesses on a desktop, while some people make a decent wage on a tablet.

      You might argue that serious people will use a desktop, but it's the most skilled people that make the money - not the most serious.
  • I think it's hard to divert all the work online using a tablet. Unless just to check work, shopping, or other small things.
    I will continue to use a laptop or PC to work, or my eyes will hurt.
  • every device has its own purpose. Tablets are not meant for official works.
    I feel pcs are better for day to day works. I will prefer desktops over tablets and laptops. But cant say what will the future of computing...
  • Replace the computer no but maybe they have a place to fill a gap whatever gap this is I dont know, the thing is these days phones are getting bigger for example the galaxy note these sizes are not far from the tablet size so I just think if that's the case whats the point.

    As for the ipad though I believe many people buy it just because its Apple there are many Apple fanboys/fangirls that are complete sheep sometimes its a wonder how they get dressed in a morning making the decision what to wear I mean with these people Apple could sell a shiny turd stick an apple logo on it and it would sell.
  • I agree and I believe that desktops are still very useful.
  • Desktop computers are still practical and very useful for anyone. I get things done efficiently and fast on my desktop.

    Don't get me wrong, I love tablets as well as it affords you more flexibility and mobility to do work-related stuff or simply have fun wherever you are.
  • I agree, they are not the hot thing right now but they are still very useful indeed.
  • Some good posts here. As the OP, I'm trying to get at though is:

    People are buying tablets in massive numbers. Mobile computing is going crazy. So are YOU making products and services for tablets and other devices?
  • You can build your own PC so easy.
    To build a laptop is a pain, and to build your own tablet is out of the question.
    A PC will not die nor will tablets, they play different roles. PC's didn't die when laptops became popular.
  • Welcome to Post-PC era
  • For me, tablets are just luxury. Computer desktops are necessity.

    I don't think PC will be dead anytime soon. On other hand, we just don't what happens next and technology is evolving so fast.
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  • Daniel,

    This isn't really anything to do with the conversation because you like a big screen, but apparently Apple got a patent for some sort of futuristic pen.

    I can't remember what it has, but basically you can use it to design anything. It should be available with a future iPad.
    • [1] reply

    • A pen is definately going to be a lot more practical for design related work.

      Admitedly though, I've always been one for using a mouse. A pen would be another skill to learn.

      Despite being in the design industry for many years and despite wanting to master it I didn't ever get into graphics tablets neither, though I did make the effort to try it!
  • I'm old school. I have been doing IM since 97 but on the web since the late 80's !!! Remember BBS guys ? Zmodem and all that crap (which wasn't internet in a way)

    I will have a hard time to adapt to it hehehehehehe (now where did i put my viagra pills damn it)
  • Actually I could (and have on occasion) turn my 7 inch Android Tablet into a desktop.

    I can attach a USB or Bluetooth Keyboard / mouse..
    I can attach my monitor via the HDMI port
    I can attach my external hard drive via usb
    Plus Google Drive and other cloud storage is available.

    Android has an accessible file system (files and folders).
    I have a free and full office program on it that creates MS Office compatible files.
    Lots of other apps that could replace most of what I do.

    So I could do a lot of my day to day stuff. But then I am not using it as a tablet. I just can't stand typing anything more than a short email on this thing.

    Plus I use a lot of Windows based programs. If I wasn't recording videos so much I probably could use it as my office machine if it was hooked in to the peripherals.

    (Another reason to choose Android - you aren't locked in and expansion is easy)
  • I think that ultra-books will likely be successful, at least for a while.
  • I for one welcome our new overlords.

    I don't know about you, but I was getting tired of the giant ants anyway.

    Regards,
    jim
  • Hybrids are the future. Tablets are not. Touchscreens will *not* replace mice or mouse pads.

    I imagine a future where hybrids replace tablets, and they have attachable peripherals, even additional screens/devices. Then the hybrid becomes a more versatile laptop, and perhaps they can be attached to a hub-like device at home, which is what would replace your current desktop.

    Heck, external computers might become obsolete altogether in the future when we augment our brains with biotechnology. We'll be walking computers, constantly connected to the hive, and these 'physical' computers will be children's toys.
  • Banned
    Man it's an exciting future isn't it?
  • I think labtop tablets will take the need. A keyboard is always needed, and a good working operating system.
  • My like to have a little fusion.


    For doing the working process.
    2 CPU.
    6 Monitor.
    1 wireless keyboard
    1 mouse

    AND

    1 Tablet
    For taking/writing note which I can print or listening to my seminar where ever I go.

    My Complete Working Station.
    • [1] reply
    • just wondering how big all 6 screens are and if they're all working at the same time... lol
      • [4] replies
  • For the standard user, desktop PCs are dead. Powerful and affordable laptops took over most of homes.

    Tablets? I still think they're glorified toys (couch internet surfers, casual emails, etc).
  • Banned
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  • Tablets are toys?

    Lol!

    My local supermarket has now equipped some of its staff with tablets. Anyone who is basing their income on desktop PCs is gonna have a rude awakening I think.

    I think I need to get into mobile development.
    • [1] reply
    • There's plenty of people / businesses operating quite swimmingly without having to even consider touching upon the mobile market.

      The market simply represents greater oppotunity for some.
  • I have a tablet but find I cannot do serious work on it. I initially bought with the intention of doing some work on it besides entertainment, but I find the only real use is browsing and watching videos. Anytime I am doing work like typing, editing my sites, or anything else serious, it always the desktop or laptop. I find tablets cumbersome to do anything productive, but its great for watching movies in HD or the odd Youtube video.
    • [ 1 ] Thanks
    • [1] reply
    • I totally agree. Tablets are OK for YouTube, an odd email, a skype chat, and lazy internet browsing from bed, but that's about it. You cannot really do any serious work on it.
      • [1] reply
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  • Tablets are a new toy and are far too weak for what we need as internet marketers. Hell, I run three big screens and could not do what i do on a squeeze box.

    Mobile is the future if you are mobile, tablets are the future if you are lounging but desktops are the grunt providers for real productivity.
  • Banned
    There is no chance in hell someone can do any actual work on a tablet, it just can't happen. Laptops, PCs, and workstations in general will always be around.
  • I will be using my PC for a long time. Laptop and ipads make it hard for me to type
  • Tablets are popular amongst the youngsters, but not really with the people who actually spend money online.
  • Tablets are the future, PCs are only going to be used in the office, everyone i know has a tablet of some sort. Everyone is connected to the Internet these days.
  • I still use a laptop...although it is a little outdated lol honestly though I may use a tablet more for the fun stuff but will always stick to the laptop for working. So now that I read what I just wrote yeah we do need to start monetizing the tablets because most money is made when people are entertained or having fun!!!!
  • PC's will be around for the foreseeable future. My tablet is pretty much worthless productivity-wise besides simple browsing.
  • I have all three (PC, laptop and tablet). All are great quality products, but my tablet is treated more like Kindle than anything. It sits on a table all day until it comes time for bed when I want to read. For daily use is the laptop. For graphics and such, I use the desktop. Each one has it's own purpose for me and don't see any of them really going away...oh yeah, and then there's the phone with all of it's apps.
  • Still now, desktop PC's are the best to me. Because they are much more stronger than other devices and able to take more load than others. Also it is cheaper than laptops and tablets. Any new trends will create a craze among the consumers. That doesn't mean the others will be vanished from the market.
  • There is no way we could run our dog clothes store from a tablet - pc is our main asset
    • [1] reply
    • Clearly I needed you guys to do my tax return on your tablets when I was on my PC yesterday up to my eyes in spreadsheets and about 20 other websites calculating my incomings and outgoings!

      I'll have to watch out for the app!
      • [1] reply
  • whats next after pc and tablets ?
    is this one ? What comes AFTER the Apple Tablet; Light Blue Optics projects touch surface future - YouTube
  • Hopefully average joe will move onto tablet and leave the only people buying PC's developers and gamers. This will allow even HTML developers to start charging more for their service as Mr and Mrs tablet only owner will not have a clue about developing anything as they will be more accustomed to being an end user.
    • [ 2 ] Thanks
  • Tablets are tablets. Computers are computers. Can't see any conflict there. It's like to say beef is dead, long live seafood.
    • [1] reply
    • ... and tablets ARE computers. They just have a different form factor (and operating system than Desktop computers.

      On another note...

      What if laptops were never invented? What if there were just tablets and desktop computers?

      I bet somebody would come along and invent the Laptop Computer and people would be raving about it. They'd be ditching their tablets left and right, instead using the new Laptop Computers with built in physical keyboards that fold up!

      Tablets are crippled computers IMO. Their advantage in portability is minimal now compared to the newest ultrabook laptops. What's the great advantage of a tablet now?
      • [1] reply
  • May be a little bit off-topic but....

    Walmart Employees Throwing iPads - YouTube
  • I hear email marketing is dead too; in fact I heard that a few years ago. Except that it's the bread and butter of six, seven, and eight figure earners.

    I like tablets for the size and nice look, but where do you put it while you're sitting in an easy chair, watching a webinar with your hands occupied with food and drink? You need a holder, right?

    I've got the perfect holder idea: why not a hinged holder with a keyboard built in that fits nicely on your legs? Oh someone already invented it? It's called a laptop? Damn, all the best ideas are already taken!
  • The PC isn't going anywhere. It has the advantage of size. With a larger acceptable size comes more powerful components that take several years to size down for the tablets to use. Today's best tablets have processing speeds that PC's had nearly 10 years ago. Developers will never ignore the power advantage of the PC and consumers will always be hungry for whatever it is that PC has that tablets do not.
  • pc especially laptops will always be around. I remember my first purchase on a tablet to do business on. It didnt help me at all cause of the screen being small and its touch screen was very sensitive that i would click on something else that i didnt want to do. I believe tablets are good for personal use not business.
  • Everytime I hear something is "dead" it's never usually true for a long time after the call for its death.

    A tablet could never be as efficient as my MAC and 2 screens for organization and work.

    And fads are fads, will a tablet really be useful for people in business in comparison to a laptop? How about weight and stability?

    Will my customers use it? Yes, but most still use a computer. I'll be fine.
  • Not the death of PC's!
    I actually LOVE the idea of the new Dell Tablet/PC with windows on it

    I have tablet laptop and PC and tend to use the laptop the most with just the tablet as a business tool and for reading ebooks rather than everything else.
  • I dont like tablet pcs or smartphones. This mini screen and the fact that
    you must use your fingers makes me mad. And working with those gadgets
    is almost not possible. Its extremely slow and makes no fun.

    Real business people still use desktop pcs or laptops, thats a sure thing.

    this tablet trend is just for those who simply want to go with the wave.
    • [1] reply
    • Most folks i run into think i run a real business and do pretty well at it working from a tablet nearly full time.

      just because you personally don't understand how it can be done doesn't at all make it not possible to do.

      You have to be carefully about making statements about what others are capable of based on your own limitations.
      • [1] reply
  • I still use my laptop at home, but I agree that tablets are definiately the way forward. I love going to Costa and browsing on my tablet, it's much easier than a laptop.
  • Wow, this is one of the most hot topics here in WF.

    Here's my take, if you can have the 3, why not? So far, I am enjoying my laptop hooked up with 1 external monitor and hopefully, I could add 2 more external monitors.
  • Someone has said that tablets are for gaming and not for programming. However, with a good keyboard it can be done.

    It is also necessary to check whether you can compile codes in your tablet, i.e. something like gcc included with iOS or android.

    Event tablets are use to promote education. You can have a quick look in the following post, the link I am sharing here.

    http://mobilewebcmsws.quora.com/Fun-...-for-Education
  • Wake me up when I can do some SERIOUS work on my tablet. I love it for lounging around. But when it's time to work, I'm in my office on the desktop. Or bringing my laptop somewhere.
  • Try doing software development or graphics design on anything but a good P.C. Tablets are great for cute game and social networking.
  • You will take my Desktop PC out of my cold, dead hands only.
  • As long as tablet have no ALL functionality and performances PC's got, then it will never be able to erase PC from this world.
  • As someone who has run on a Tablet PC since 05/06, I've always found this discussion amusing. My first tablet ran Windows Vista. My current one started with Win 7 and is currently on Win 8 Pro. Full-fledged OS, software, USB, card reader, video out, fingerprint scanner, etc plus touch *and* pen stylus for real handwriting.

    Tablet PCs have been around on the business side for over 10 years.

    The ipads look not much better than internet kiosk toys in comparison from my perspective.
  • The biggest thing about smartphones and tablets is that when technology travels, everything changes. When people no longer have to sacrifice time at the alter of the desktop, how will they apply technology in that new found time at hand? The message fundementally changes when people change how they are interacting with their technology.

    Regards,
    jim
    • [1] reply

    • I cannot wait to hire robots to do my work, and listen to the wife tell me to pick my dirty underwear off the floor and actually do that. Comon tablets speed it up a bit. LOL. :p
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • Try doing any serious coding on a tablet.

    No thanks.
    • [1] reply
    • Not just coding: what about Photoshop'ing, video editing, web designing, multi-tasking or pretty much any serious content creation... cumbersome opinion at best.
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
      • [1] reply
  • The trend is that more and more people use tablets / phones to surf the web. However, those same people also use PCs for other tasks. Therefore, all of this new technology is just diversifying the way people access the web, not actually replacing it.
  • Banned
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  • I don't think tablets can beat computer, I think tablets are being used mainly by kids, girls and non working women and they are using it for time pass only, but when it comes to do work only desktop or laptop comes in the mind we can't compare usability and speed of computers with that of tablets just an example writing a letter of 200 words merely took 5-7min computer if your typing is bad but same person may took more than 20mins on a tablets, so small screen or small tiny products just can't be compared with computer in terms of usability and work..I have tablet for my 3year kid yes he loves playing on it and his favorite app is baby Bus
    • [1] reply
    • I disagree - computers will never be dead.

      in my opinion the bigger screen you have to view stuff online- the better

      but - to each their own- if you like your tablet- good for you!
      • [ 1 ] Thanks
  • The tablet is definitely growing in popularity. And yes, marketers need to take that in to account in many different ways.

    We are just in the process of reprogramming the algo on our ad exchange so we can target just tablets, and/or pcs and/or smart phones for digi ad campaigns.
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