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View Full Version : Will Portables Replace PC's? PC Mag Argues It Out!

Pete Paxton
03-27-2008, 03:00 PM
<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.pcmag.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.pcmag.com/</a><br /><br /></div><em>&quot;...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?&quot;<br /><br />&quot;The desktop computer&mdash;whether it's a Mac or PC&mdash;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.&quot;<br /><br /></em><br /><img width="185" height="157" border="0" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/spt/auto/1206552126.usr11642.jpg" alt="" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img border="0" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/spt/auto/1206552392.usr11642.jpg" alt="" />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <img width="138" height="147" border="0" src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com//spt/auto/1206552100.usr11642.png" alt="" /><br /><br />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 <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2278813,00.asp">here</a> and the argument against can be found <a href="http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2278808,00.asp">here</a>. When you're done reading, feel free to come back here and continue the argument. <br /><br />&nbsp; <br />&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
Rocco Augusto
03-27-2008, 06:41 PM
Great post Pete! This whole discussion is the reason I am dying to get my hands on an ASUS Eee PC. It is tiny and light and I can just through it in my messenger bag/man purse (as my daughter calls it) and be on my way. It's larger and more convenient than my Samsung Blackjack but nowhere near as cumbersome as my laptop. If we still had the drolling emoticon here, I would totally use it. :D
Pete Paxton
03-27-2008, 07:09 PM
When you get your Eee, let us know how you like it. I'm highly considering getting one for my son. At that price, it's a great deal.
David Tucker
03-27-2008, 07:45 PM
A guy at work got one for his g/f and set it up with a stripped down install of XP and says its great. We plan on getting one when the 8.9" comes out.
Rocco Augusto
03-27-2008, 08:10 PM
When you get your Eee, let us know how you like it. I'm highly considering getting one for my son. At that price, it's a great deal.

Once I have the spare cash I'm going to pick one up and most likely review it for everyone. I'm torn as my 'gadget fund' jar almost has enough to purchase one, but then the new 9in version is coming out soon so I'm unsure if I should hold off. :p
Rocco Augusto
03-27-2008, 08:14 PM
A guy at work got one for his g/f and set it up with a stripped down install of XP and says its great. We plan on getting one when the 8.9" comes out.

Thats what I planned on doing. I liked the idea of a tiny Linux laptop but the real reason why I want it is so I can play Norseman Games The Realm (http://www.realmserver.com) while I'm out and about. It is fun and addicting and I have been playing it on and off since it came out in 96/97. The good news is, they haven't updated it much so it would still run extra speedy on the meager specs of the Eee PC :D

Also since a majority of Portland, OR is now blanketed in free Wi-Fi (http://www.metrofi.com/) it would just be fun and handed to use whenever I go out for lunch get bored sitting around waiting for my food or whenever I'm and about running around visiting clients.

Plus, they have a cool mint green one. Can't beat that! :cool:
Stinger
03-27-2008, 09:48 PM
My current phone already has TV out and Bluetooth keyboard support. 8GB of memory is also enough to store a lot of video and music. It's only a matter of time before most smartphones can output a HD picture to displays.

As a power user, I can't see one ever replacing my desktop PC but it'll be a great option on the move. I can see a lot of non-techies and people in developing countries going down the phone=PC route though.
SteveHoward999
03-29-2008, 08:58 PM
If all I want is to be connected, so I can do email, surf and read documents, then I have several devices already that can easily replace my laptop. I can happily spend a few mobile days using only my phone with only a small amount of pain when it comes to typing.

But as a developer, there is no way I can replace my laptop when it comes to actually doing productive work. There's simply no way I can use Dreamweaver, PhotoShop, Flex, Flash and a zillion other tools without a 'full' PC or laptop. And I need a big screen to cope with all the screen-eating panels and windows!!!

However, as mobile devices become more powerful over time, I can see where we may reach a point that there is no longer any need for a computing device any larger than one that fits in my pocket. For me to do productive work, I'll still need access to a full sized keyboard and screen, but since they should be able to connect to the pocket device wirelessly, I'll be able to leave my device in my pocket all day, and use whatever keyboard and screen is handy.

Oh - and if I need a screen on the run? www.microvision.com

http://www.microvision.com/pico_projector_displays/application_scenarios.html?autoplay=1

:-)