Dvorak On Desktops

[Hooch Tan]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2367202,00.asp' target='_blank'>http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,281...,2367202,00.asp</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"I've always been the biggest proponent of powerful desktop computing and always felt like I was paddling against the tide. For the last decade I kept hearing about how the computer is becoming an appliance, and that mobile devices will rule the tech world. It's true, for surfing the Internet you can use anything from a dumb terminal to a phone. You do not need a quad-core machine with a two-terabyte drive."</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1280774456.usr20447.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Computers have been slowly turning into a commodity item.&nbsp; Some say it already is.&nbsp; As computing power becomes cheaper, we have seen the rise of computing appliances and mobile devices that can handle most consumer's day to day needs.&nbsp; Dvorak seems to go on a rant about how all this technology is now being used for the most trivial of applications, such as using an iPhone for a flashlight. <MORE /></p><p>He goes so far as to re-introduce his idea of restricting computing, especially to those that have allowed their computers to be compromised.&nbsp; It reminds me of a sentiment I heard often when AOL started allowing access to the Internet.&nbsp; A lot of computer geeks were worried about the unwashed masses flooding the Internet with inane drivel and constant problems.&nbsp; Well, yes, there are a lot of corners on the Internet that would probably fit their description, but what is wrong with that?&nbsp; The whole concept smells like elitism to me.&nbsp;</p><p>I think we should be welcoming with those who embrace technology, in any capacity.&nbsp; Do some problems arise because of that?&nbsp; Sure.&nbsp; But that is just a reflection of humanity as a whole.&nbsp; Not every person needs to be an expert, or has to spend their entire life on the quest to cure cancer.&nbsp; I am just amazed at how technology has reached a point where it now fairly accessible for most of the modern world (and is slowly making inroads to developing nations) and that flashlight program just demonstrates that.&nbsp; It means that technology, computing appliances, smartphones and their kin have become accessible to everyone much like how literacy and the printed world help bring information and knowledge to everyone.</p>

[Chris Gohlke]

While sometimes I really want to think he is an idiot, I really think he just pushes buttons to get a reaction. His flashlight example is stupid. The phone has a battery, led, and switching capability. Carrying a separate flashlight just because he doesn't want you to use that hardware in that way is pretty stupid and defeats the entire concept of open computing. Frankly, in a lot of ways, a flashlight app is more useful than 90% of the apps out there.

[Rob Alexander]

Wow, I haven't read a Dvorak column since he was trying to convince us all that OS/2 was the future of computing. This reminds me of why I stopped reading his drivel. Apparently, he's just as rational as ever.

[Hooch Tan]

The article definitely looks like it is written to get page views, but I sometimes have to wonder if he really thinks that. I only occasionally come across his articles, but he seems to be becoming a curmudgeon!

I agree, a flashlight app can be handy, as a lot of us would tend to have our phone with us instead of a flashlight. If the phone has the capability, why not? Sure, we can use computers to calculate the trajectory, fuel and everything else needed to get to the moon, but that doesn't mean that's all we should do with it. It's here to enhance ALL our lives, not remain the hands of a select few.

[Jason Dunn]

I only occasionally come across his articles, but he seems to be becoming a curmudgeon!

Becoming? If you look up the word in the dictionary, you'll see his photo. :D

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Jason beat me to it, damn. :P

Dvorak is still writing? Man, I thought he'd have retired by now!